The Role of the Faculty Member in Developing the Citizenship Values among the Imam Abdul-Rahman Bin Faisal University Students“A Field Study”

Abstract

This study aimed firstly to define,from the student perspective, the role of faculty members in developing the values of citizenship (belonging and loyalty - political awareness - community participation and teamwork - tolerance). Secondly, the study aimed to identify,from the student
perspective, which courses were crucial in the development of national values amongst students at Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University. A descriptive-analytical approach was used. A random sample was selected from the study population by distributing an electronic questionnaire. The
total sample was 311, which represents (approximately) 5%of the total study population. The results show thatthe faculty members at Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University are playinga significant role in developing the values of citizenship.There is a high degree of agreement across all value dimensions in descending order as follows: belonging and loyalty, community participation and teamwork, tolerance, and political awareness. The values of belonging and loyalty find their highest expression in the encouragement to work efficiently, whilst the values of community participation and teamwork are highly reinforced by assigning cooperative tasks to studentsandby clarifying the importance of teamwork. The value of tolerance finds its highest expression in an emphasis on mutual respect: respecting the opinions of others andhighlighting the ethics of dialogue and discussion. The high value of political awareness is demonstrated by directing students to comply with university laws
and regulations and by reinforcingpersonal responsibility.