Characteristics of Al-Quds Open University from the Perspective of Its Students

Abstract

The aim of this study is to show the unique characteristics of Alquds Open

University and to analyze the effects of the following variables (sex, job, place of

residence, education level, and area) through the responses of the students of

the university in northern Palestine towards these characteristics.

The total population of the male and female students of the Q.O.U in Northern

Palestine is (15281) according to the statistics of the Admissions and Records

Department for the year (2004/2005). The researcher selected a random stratified

sample of (769) male and female students for this study.

The descriptive method was used in the study and a questionnaire consisted

of 64 items was designed to collect data. The questionnaire was distributed to 9

areas (The ability to overcome political, economic, educational and social crises,

Flexibility in time and timing, Provide training, Quality of participating students,

Methods of teaching, Ability to develop and renew).

The consistency and validity of the study tool was verified and the

questionnaire was distributed to the random stratified population sample. The

data was analyzed by One Way-ANOVA, Balanced Means, Standard Deviation,

Variance Analysis of Multi Repeated Measurement, (t) Test, and (LSD) Test.

The study results showed that the highest mean was in the area of the quality

of participating students and the methods of teaching used followed by the ability

to overcome the political crises and the flexibility in terms of time and timing.

The Lowest mean was the ability to overcome economic crises and also the

ability to develop and renew. It was also clear from the results and responses

that there are no significant differences in the mean of the responses of the

students of the university in northern Palestine towards these characteristics

due to the following variables (sex, job, place of residence, and area).

The study suggested many recommendations among them were:

1) The need to identify methods of teachings that is compatible with the open

university nature. These methods must be adopted among all academic

supervisors.

2) The need to enhance the means of communications between the students

and the university in a more effective way.

3) The university must adapt a policy of constant change to achieve continuous

development and improvement..