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    Teachers’ Perspectives on Motivational Challenges and Strategies in L2 Writing Classes at Higher Education Institutions in the UAE
    (Asia TEFL, 2021) El-Soussi, Amira
    Despite the wealth of research on writing techniques as well as second language (L2) motivation, research on writing motivation and motivational strategies remain underexplored (Bruning & Horn, 2000; Lee et al., 2018). Even the limited research on writing motivation focuses on exploring students’ views, paying little attention to teachers’ perspectives. To fill this important gap, this study investigates how teachers perceive their students’ writing motivation and the strategies they employ to enhance this motivation. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from four English writing instructors at three private universities in the UAE. Findings show that most students experience low levels of writing motivation. Instructors report encountering several student motivational challenges related to student intrinsic motivation, cost of writing, value of writing, and self-efficacy and expectancy. To address these motivational issues, the instructors ensure providing a pleasant and supportive atmosphere, stimulating and enjoyable writing, effective teaching strategies, autonomous learning and constructive feedback. More L2 motivation research should be done in writing contexts, considering teachers’ experiences in dealing with the complexities they encounter in their classrooms. Teachers’ perspectives and practices will provide a broader picture of learner motivation, indicate where support is needed, and become the base for new professional development experiences.
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    The shift from face-to-face to online teaching due to COVID-19: Its impact on higher education faculty’s professional identity
    (Elsevier, 2022-02) El-Soussi, Amira
    With the COVID-19 emergency shift to online teaching, it is timely to investigate the impact of online teaching on teachers’ professional identity, namely their beliefs and roles. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from four faculty members working at different UAE universities, aiming to incorporate teachers' voices and practices in the research process. Findings showed teachers' professional identity underwent some phases of instability as tensions arose between the way they viewed themselves, their beliefs, and their practices in the online environment. Teachers experienced changes related to their pedagogical, managerial, and social roles and practices.
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    Teacher identity continuum: A framework for teacher identity shifts online
    (Elsevier, 2024-12) El-Soussi, Amira
    In March 2020, due to COVID-19, English faculty in higher education institutions (HEI) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had to migrate to and administer online courses despite limited familiarity and training in online delivery. Moving online, teachers had to negotiate their long-held beliefs, teaching practices and roles as they navigated a new educational context, thus further reinterpreting their professional identities. In the face of change, teachers may experience a sense of insecurity that influences their identity development, and research is still early in understanding teacher identity formation, factors impacting identity changes, and the role of identities in teachers’ motivation and learning (Schutz et al., 2018). Therefore, this research draws on identity theory to examine how 14 English faculty members in HEIs in the UAE negotiated their beliefs, roles, and practices as they shifted online due to the pandemic. Through a qualitative exploratory multimethod approach, including mind maps and semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis, my findings led to the development of a new framework instrumental in understanding the reshaping of teacher identities through the forced transition from FTF to online teaching. My research positioned teachers’ online identities on a Teacher Identity Continuum (TIC) with Digital Adapters, Digital Resisters, and Digital Ambivalents, including a spectrum of related beliefs, roles and practices. This framework has several practical implications for teachers, teacher education, and institutional leadership as they manage transitions and times of change.
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    Effect of Blended Lightweight and Normal Weight Aggregates on The Shear Capacity of Concrete Beams
    (2024-11) Khalil, Khalid Hesham; Abed, Farid; Yehia, Sherif
    This thesis investigates the influence of internal curing using lightweight aggregate (LWA) on the shear capacity, shrinkage, and cracking resistance of concrete beams compared to conventionally cured mixes. Internal curing, achieved by incorporating pre-saturated LWA, provides an internal moisture reservoir that enhances hydration, particularly in low-water mixes, mitigating shrinkage and improving structural performance. The concrete mix included Portland cement (SG 3.15), Pumice 4-8mm as LWA from Turkey (SG 1.45), dune sand (SG 2.61), crushed sand (SG 2.61), normal-weight aggregates of 10mm and 20mm (SG 2.7), GGBS (SG 2.9), and silica fume (SG 2.2). The experimental program evaluated mechanical properties such as modulus of rupture, tensile strength, and compressive strength. Six reinforced concrete beams were tested under four-point loading without shear reinforcement. The three concrete mixes were: (1) "CC," cured conventionally, (2) "ICC," combining internal and conventional curing, and (3) "IC," using LWA solely for internal curing. Beams were subjected to increasing loads to observe cracking and shear capacity, while shrinkage and creep tests evaluated long-term stability. Results showed internal curing significantly improved structural performance. The ICC mix exhibited a 43.45% increase in shear capacity over CC, while IC showed an 11.52% increase. Shrinkage tests showed reduced microstrain in internally cured samples, confirming better volumetric stability. Creep tests revealed reduced long-term deformation, enhancing durability. This study highlights internal curing with LWA as an effective method to improve concrete performance, particularly in thick or sealed sections where external curing is less effective. However, proper LWA preparation is crucial to ensure sufficient moisture without compromising workability. These findings establish internal curing as a viable approach to enhancing shear capacity, reducing shrinkage, and improving durability for demanding structural applications.
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    This or that? Managerial responses to competing priorities in organizations
    (Emerald, 2025) Mariano, Stefania
    Purpose This study aims to examine current scholarly literature on how managers address competing priorities in organizations. It consolidates existing contributions into an organizing framework to guide future research. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was used to identify, select and review peer-reviewed articles from Scopus, ABI/Inform and ScienceDirect (Elsevier) databases over 4 decades. Findings This study identified the antecedents and conditions of competing managerial priorities in organizations and highlighted potential managerial responses, including addressing, altering, converging, postponing and neglecting. Originality/value This study represents a primary reference in management and organizational studies for scholars interested in competing priorities in organizations. It discusses the implications for scholarly theories and managerial practices and provides an agenda for future research.

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