The state of Israel is considered as a multicultural country with two main groups: A Jewish majority and an Arab minority. The study examines the relationship between cultural orientation, self-determination in learning, and life satisfaction among different college students in Israel.vThe research population comprised students in the first and second undergraduate years. Questionnaires were completed by 300 students, 154 Arab and 146 Jewish in three multicultural colleges in the north of Israel. The average age of undergraduate students in the college is (25) years.
The study seeks to answer two main research questions:
1. What is the relationship between cultural background, self-determination, and life satisfaction among Jewish and Arab college students in Israel?
2. To what extent does cultural background influence students’ life satisfaction?
The following hypotheses were tested:
1. There will be a positive correlation between cultural background, and life satisfaction.
2. There will be differences between Jewish students and Arab in self-determination.
3. The relation between cultural background and students’ life satisfaction will be mediated by the components of self-determination.
4. Jewish students will report higher levels of life satisfaction than Arab students
The findings indicate that the first and the second hypothesis was corroborated. The third hypothesis was partially corroborated. However, contrary to expectations, Arab students exhibited higher levels of life satisfaction compared to their Jewish peers, thus refuting the fourth hypotheses. Understanding these findings more deeply can help bridge cultural gaps and help develop inclusive academic support programs to promote greater academic success and life satisfaction among all students.

Authors:
Sawsan Shalaby, Gordon Academic College, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Sawsan shalaby, Teaches in a Master’s program in the Department of Educational Management and Leadership, as well as in the Bachelor’s program in the Department of Special Education. Her recent research interests include self-determination among teachers, and professional identity among educational staff and school principals.

In addition to her professional activities, she engages in swimming, long-distance running, and cycling, which help her maintain a healthy work–life balance

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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