The Role of Al-Quds Open University in the Human Development of Women in Palestine from the Students’ Point Of View: Qalqilya Educational Region as a Model

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the role of Al Quds Open University in

human development of the Palestinian women from the students’ point of view

in Qalqilya Educational Region. Also, the present study sought to determine

the influence of some demographic variables such as: major, marital status,

place of residence, work and educational level on the students’ perspectives of

the role of Al Quds Open University in human development of the Palestinian

women.

The population of this study consisted of all female students (1934) at

QOU in Qalqilya Educational Region. A random sample of (195) female

students was selected.

As it is suitable for the purpose of the current study, the descriptive

approach was used. A five-point Likert scale was developed so as to measure

students’ points of view. The questionnaire consisted of 64 items distributed

on six domains. The researcher analyzed data using means, SDs, One-Way

ANOVA, T-test and LSD.

Results revealed that the highest means were respectively on the following

domains: flexibility assimilation of women, women continuing education,

women employment, the development of society’s view of women, and

developing women’s self-confidence. Meanwhile, the domain of developing

women’s capacity of family health ranked the lowest. Although there were

some slightly significant differences on the study variables and the domains,

results indicated that there were no significant differences at (α= 0.05) in the

students points of view towards the role of Al Quds Open University in human

development of the Palestinian women due to the study variables (major,

marital status, place of residence, work and educational level).

Based on the results of the study, the researcher recommended the

following:

1. Women’s awareness of their role in the community should be consolidated

and emphasized. This comes through cooperation with the local societies

and organizations who are concerned with women’s affairs.

2. It is also recommended that QOU should take in consideration the

flexibility of registration schedules so that women can reconcile between

their homes and study load.

3. A special emphasis should be paid for women health extension programmes

at QOU through curriculum and training courses.