HomeCollegesCollegesCollege of Humanities and Social SciencesFaculty And StaffDubaiEducation Department_profilesLaila Mohebi

Laila Mohebi

Assistante Professor
Laila.jpg
 
 
Introduction

Dr. Laila Mohebi has dedicated over two decades to the educational sector, engaging in diverse roles across K-12 and higher education within the UAE. Her extensive experience includes leadership roles at prominent institutions such as GEMS Education, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the Ministry of Education, and Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University. With a strong foundation in English language teaching, Dr. Mohebi spent a decade instructing in public schools before transitioning to higher education roles at Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University and Zayed University. Her contributions extend to collaborating with EduEval and the American Institute for Research on a comprehensive analysis of the UAE's educational system and working with Razi Educational Consultancy on a project aimed at bolstering national identity among Abu Dhabi's private school students.

In her academic career, Dr. Mohebi has focused on teaching educational courses to undergraduate students in the early childhood department, guiding them through practicums and internships. Her research interests are deeply rooted in the realms of teacher education, feedback mechanisms for teacher candidates, early childhood education, field experiences, and the integration of technology and pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). Her doctoral research emphasized the preparation of teacher candidates for effective technology use in the classroom. Currently, she is engaged in research on field experiences for teacher candidates, professional development in inclusive education practices, career guidance, educational leadership, and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

Dr. Mohebi's educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Education from the United Arab Emirates University (1995), a Master of Arts in Online Education Leadership and Management from Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University (2012), and a PhD in Education (Management, Leadership and Policy) from the British University in Dubai (2018). Additionally, she has been recognized with an award from CMI in consultancy, highlighting her contributions to the field.

Professional Experience Summary

  • Served at Zayed University as an Assistant Professor in the College of Education since May 2019, preceded by a role as an Instructor from January 2017 to May 2019, and as Project Manager from July 2014 to December 2016.
  • Contributed to Razi Educational Consultancy as a Research Consultant between May and July 2014, and to EduEval Educational Consultancy as a Senior Education Associate from December 2013 to April 2014.
  • Held multiple positions at GEMS Education, including Director of Government Relations from December 2012 to August 2013 and Licensing and Government Relations Senior Manager from January 2009 to July 2010.
  • Worked at Hamdan bin Mohammed e-University as an ESL Instructor from December 2011 to December 2012, Director of Learners Services from October 2010 to December 2012, and previously managed the Centre of Excellence in Business and Quality Management at e-TQM College from July 2008 to January 2009.
  • Occupied roles within the Dubai Educational Zone – Ministry of Education and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), starting as a Teacher of English from September 1995 to August 2005, moving on to Personnel in Charge of Teachers’ Affairs from September 2005 to September 2006, Head of Private Schools Section from September 2006 to August 2007, and concluding as Private Schools Senior Manager at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) from August 2007 to June 2008.

Languages

Fluent in Arabic and English, with conversational Urdu.

Informal Interests

  • Netflix Enthusiast: Keen on diving into a broad array of content, especially horror movies and documentaries.
  • Avid Traveler: Passionate about exploring new cultures, experiencing the diversity of our world firsthand, and collecting unforgettable memories along the way.
  • Culinary Explorer: Enjoy cooking and experimenting with recipes at home, as well as trying out new restaurants and exploring a variety of cuisines.

Research and Professional Activities

Research interests:

  • Experiential learning through field experiences for teacher candidates.
  • Enhancing inclusive education practices through professional development.
  • The role of educational leadership in shaping teaching and learning outcomes.
  • Exploring Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
  • Advancements in teacher education, encompassing online pedagogies and practical fieldwork.
  • Integrating technology to enrich educational experiences.
  • Application of the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework in teaching.

Current Projects:

As of 2024, I am engaged in a range of projects that are currently under review or in the writing stage, including:

  • Studying teachers' experiences in an inclusive education professional development program.
  • Conducting a qualitative analysis of pre-service and in-service teachers' use and satisfaction with online training modules in some African countries.
  • Investigating the virtual practicum experiences and impressions of UAE pre-service teachers.
  • Exploring the use of e-portfolios to enhance socio-emotional, technological, and metacognitive knowledge among pre-service teachers.
  • Examining factors influencing the career choices of undergraduate Emirati students.
  • Performing a systematic literature review on empowering learners with ChatGPT.
  • Analyzing the association between social media usage and academic performance among university students in UAE and Pakistan.

Keywords:

TPACK, Online Professional Development, Inclusive Education, ICT Integration, Pre-service Teachers, In-service Teachers, Teacher Education, Educational Technology, UAE Education, Educational Leadership, field experience.

 

Teaching Areas

  • EDC 490 = Internship
  • EDC 499 = Capstone Seminar
  • EDC 480 = Practicum 3
  • EDC 350 = Education Studies 1: The Learner
  • EDC 351 = Education Studies 2: The Teacher
  • EDC 373 = Literacy and English Language Learning 1
  • EDC 473 = Literacy and English Language Learning 2
  • EDC 316 = Parents as Educators
  • EDC 366 = Research
  • EDC 535 = Assessment and Evaluation
  • EDC 360 = Learning Technologies
  • EDC 321 = Leading and Managing Learning

 

 

  • Shaya, N., Mohebi, L., Pillai, R., & Abukhait, R. (2024). Illegitimate tasks, Negative affectivity, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior among Private School Teachers: A Mediated-Moderated Model. Sustainability, 16(2), 733. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020733
  • ElSayary, A., Meda, L., Karaki, S., & Mohebi, L. (2024). Investigating the Effective Use of Virtual Communication to an Online Professional Development Program Through the Lens of Teachers’ Attitudes. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 25(1), 78-94. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/tojde/issue/81738/1228480
  • Mohebi, L., AlShamsi, A., AlHammadi, M., & AlMohsen, F. (2023). An evaluation of Online Training Effectiveness and Pre-Service and In-Service Teacher Satisfaction: A Case Study from Nigeria. Journal of Digital Learning and Education, 3(3), 195-209. https://doi.org/10.52562/jdle.v3i3.804
  • Meda, L., & Mohebi, L. (2023). Prepared to Teach Using Technology, but Not Prepared to Teach Online: A Case of Early Childhood Pre-service Teachers in the United Arab Emirates. Journal of Studies in Education, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.5296/jse.v13i4.21412
  • Mohebi, L., AlMohsen, F., & Alshamsi, A. (2023). Realigning Online Teacher Training Modules to Covid-19: An Evaluation of the Online Training Module Among Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers in Pakistan. Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, 10(4), 702–710. https://doi.org/10.20448/jeelr.v10i4.5092
  • Mohebi, L. (2023). Triumphs and Tribulations of Teaching Practicum Experiences: Reflections from Preservice Teachers in UAE. Encyclopaideia, 27(66), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.1825-8670/15947
  • Meda, L., Mohebi, L., ElSayary, A., & Karaki, S. (2023). A Mutually Enriching Inclusive Education Teacher Professional Development Program: Mentors’ and Mentees’ Reflections. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring, 21(2), 51-62.   https://doi.org/10.24384/fv45-1467
  • Mohebi, L., & ElSayary, A. (2023). Transformational Leadership Qualities of Teacher Candidates in Classrooms: A Study from UAE. Journal of Studies in Education, 13(3). https://doi.org/10.5296/jse.v13i3.21009
  • Shaya, N., Madani, R., & Mohebi, L. (2023). An Application and Extension of the UTAUT Model: Factors Influencing Behavioural Intention to Utilize Mobile Learning in UAE Higher Education. Journal of Interactive Learning Research (JILR), 34(1), 153-180. Waynesville, NC: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/221534/.
  • ElSayary, A., & Mohebi, L. (2023). The Development of Pre-service Teachers’ Metacognitive Knowledge and Self-regulation in Online Learning. Journal of Educators Online, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2023.20.3.11
  • Mohebi, L. (2023). Students’ Online Engagement and Usage of Discussion Boards on BlackBoard©: A Study from the UAE. Journal of Educators Online, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2023.20.3.6
  • Shaya, N., Baroudi, S., & Mohebi, L. (2023). Examining Factors Determining the Behavioural Intention to Use Mobile Learning Systems in Higher Education: An Integrative Framework during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Journal of Educators Online, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2023.20.1.12
  • Meda, L., ElSayary, A., & Mohebi, L. (2023). Exploration of In-Service Teachers’ Preparedness and Perceived Challenges about Inclusive Education in the United Arab Emirates. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 13(1), 22-31. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2023-0003
  • Mohebi, L., ElSayary, A., & Meda, L. (2022). Teacher Candidates’ Perception of Their First Week School Placement: Comparison Between Online and Face-To-Face Practicum Learnings and Challenges. Perspektivy nauki i obrazovania – Perspectives of Science and Education, 60(6), 598-611. https://doi.org/10.32744/pse.2022.6.36
  • Mohebi, L., & ElSayary, A. (2022). Evaluating Pre-service Teachers Performance in a Blended Field Experience Course During the Quarantine of COVID-19. Journal of Educators Online, 19(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2022.19.3.11
  • Alshamsi, A., & Mohebi, L. (2022) Meta-Analysis of Research in Childhood Education Program in the United Arab Emirates. International Journal of Science Academic Research, 3(8), 4231-4240. https://scienceijsar.com/article/meta-analysis-research-childhood-education-program-united-arab-emirates
  • Alshamsi, A., & Mohebi, L. (2022) Academic Advising Policy and Procedure in a Selective Federal University in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 21(7), 197-218. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.7.11
  • Meda, L., & Mohebi, L. (2022). Meditating a New Pedagogical Approach in Early Childhood Education Post COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(5), 6164-6173. https://journalppw.com/index.php/jpsp/article/view/8051
  • ElSayary, A., Mohebi, L., & Meda, L. (2022). The Impact of the Relationship of Social/Emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioral Engagements on Developing Preservice Teachers’ Digital Competencies. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 21, 269-295. https://doi.org/10.28945/4982
  • Wiens, B., Karaki, S., & Mohebi, L. (2022). Teacher Training in Inclusive Education: Project Collaboration Between Al Jalila Foundation—Ta’alouf Program and Zayed University. In English Language and General Studies Education in the United Arab Emirates, 445-465. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8888-1_28