Negative Wash-Back of Formative Assessment to Learning in Saudi Higher Education Context

This article reports the wash-back of formative assessment on what students learn, how they learn and the depth of their learning in Saudi higher education context. Previous research indicates that assessment methods affect different aspects of learning either positively or negatively depending on the nature of assessment tasks. Observations indicate a clear association between Saudi students’ learning and how their learning is assessed; so this research was needed to determine how exactly the correlation looked like—positive or negative. The data in this study were collected from Saudi undergraduates by employing a student survey and semi-structured interviews. The survey included Likert scale items of agreement regarding research assignments, quizzes and midterm examinations administered to 250 English-major students. To validate the survey results, sixteen students from different levels with GPA 3 and above were interviewed. The results showed that formative assessment narrowed down the scope of learning materials. The students mostly adopted surface level learning strategies to prepare for formative assessment tasks. Higher order thinking skills were not tested in any of the formative assessment methods. Therefore, it is suggested that assessments tasks should be subjected to thorough validation and moderation. Sound assessment practices should be put in place and practiced judiciously. To achieve these objectives, sustained institutional and departmental professional backing is a prerequisite.

A Research Study of the Distinctive Traits of the Holy Prophet S. A. W in Urdu Books of Sirah

The Sirah of the last Prophet (SAW) of Allah Almighty is an authoritative source of Islamic Shariah. A Muslim must recourse to Sirah of the Holy Prophet (SAW) for the guidance, if he is unable to find a solution from the Holy Quran. As a matter of fact Sirah formulates a precedent for the mankind to follow. The life of the Holy Prophet (SAW), and his companions is the most valid source of Sirah, a role model for the generations to follow. From the early centuries of Islam till now, Muslim and non-Muslim scholars have done a great job to preserve Sirah completely, and to render the basic authentic Arabic Sirah works in other languages. The apostles and messengers were sent by Allah to guide the humanity towards the path of success and salvation both in this world and the hereafter. The chain of prophet hood commenced with Adam (A.S,) and it was completed by the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the last apostle of Allah. The messengers of Allah Almighty were distinguished from all humans, and were blessed with such qualities and distinctions, which were unique and reserved for them only. Allah Almighty conferred matchless and peculiar qualities upon the last Prophet as compared to other prophets and messengers. Knowledge or research in any form or substance passes through many phases of compilation and corroboration before it gets established. The current topic of the distinctive traits of the Holy Prophet (SAW) was in scattered form before assuming the rank of an independent branch of literature. In the beginning, the distinctive characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SAW) were only described in the books that contained merely the narration of Ahadith. When Sirah was recognized as a distinctive branch of knowledge, only then the knowledge of distinctive characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SAW) was considered as a part of Sirah literature and the discussion about the peculiar characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SAW) became a regular part of the books written about the Sirah of the last prophet of Allah Almighty. The distinctive and peculiar characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SAW) were the integral part of the sirah books. As the time passed on, scholars started to write about these distinctive characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SAW) with minute details. This thesis is an analysis of Urdu Sirah literature regarding distinctive and peculiar characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SAW). These books have given Urdu Sirah literature a novel form and dimension, and it is because of such a literature, that the readers of Sirah literature have been able to develop an acquaintance with the dynamic aspects of Sirah of the Holy Prophet (SAW). This thesis consists of five chapters. First chapter has three sections. In this chapter the meaning of distinctive and peculiar characteristics has been described. A Short introduction of books penned around the distinctive aspects of Sirah has been given briefly. The research study also describes different forms of distinctions as discussed by scholars in x their books. Second Chapter has four sections. First section contains the introductory discussion about the style of the Holy Quran in narrating the distinctive and peculiar characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Second Section indicates the peculiarities of the Prophet related to His preaching. Third Section evaluates literary distinctions and in Fourth Section ethical characteristics has been described briefly in the light of Urdu Sirah Books. Third chapter also consists of four sections. First section describes the physical distinctions of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Second deals with characteristics of family life, while third and fourth are about distinctions related to Ummah and Jihād. All these distinctive characteristics have also been proved through references taken from Ahadith provided in Urdu Sirah Books. Fourth Chapter has four sections, in which the miracles of the Holy Prophet (SAW) have been discussed and narrated with the help of the books written on distinctive characteristics. First section discusses the miracle in a theoretical manner. Second section describes the comprehension and abundance of miracles of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Last two section gives a brief introduction about the exclusive miracles of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Fifth chapter consists of four sections. Section one indicates the style of Sirah writers regarding distinctive characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SAW) in the light of Holy Quran. Second section contains a critical analysis of the characteristics that are being depicted from weak and fixed collection of Hadith. Third section analyses the arguments regarding distinctions as being described with reference to Bible in Urdu Sirah Books. Last section reviews the concurrences and contradictions of the subjects in the books written about distinctive characteristics. The Sirah literature, we discussed in our dissertation expanded a new dimension of Sirah. The literature upon distinctive characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SAW) reveals peculiar characteristics of the last prophet from his life and lifestyle. His personality and conduct is set as a role model by Allah Almighty for the whole mankind across the globe. The life of the Holy Prophet (SAW) is a complete code of life for humanity. The study of distinctive and peculiar characteristics of the Holy Prophet (SAW) is necessary to become familiar with, and to elaborate the conduct of the Holy Prophet (SAW). The description of the grandeur, the magnitude and distinctions of the Holy Prophet (SAW) enlighten the heart of every Muslim with delight and serenity. It also awakens the passion of love and obedience to the Holy Prophet (SAW). Through these books, the Muslims across the globe came to know about the grandeur and high rank of the Holy Prophet (SAW). They are instrumental to enhance the love and devotion for the Holy Prophet (SAW), which is also an essential part of Faith. The material of the books has been derived from basic and authentic sources of Islamic Studies, which enhances and highlights the importance of Sirah of the Holy Prophet (SAW).