Dr. Areej ElSayary

Societal Question 1: How Can We Transform Learning for a Changing World?

My engagement with this question spans more than a decade of empirical and design-based inquiry. It begins with foundational curriculum models that integrate the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains in STE(A)M education, then expands to empirical investigations of how blended learning, digital engagement, and collaborative technologies shape the competencies of preservice teachers. As the body of work matures, it moves toward scaling pedagogical innovation through active learning frameworks, professional development programs, and interdisciplinary course design, before culminating in edited volumes and capstone education research that position transformative pedagogy as a systemic, institution-wide imperative rather than a matter of individual classroom practice.

Research Areas: STE(A)M Education | Curriculum Design | Assessment and Feedback | Project-Based Learning | Capstone Education | Teacher Professional Development | Higher Education Innovation

Milestone 1 (2014-2022)
Milestone 2 (2023-2026)

Milestone 1 (2014-2022)

Laying the Foundations: STEAM Curriculum, Assessment, and Teacher Education

This phase built the theoretical and empirical foundations for transforming learning environments by developing and testing pedagogical models across blended, online, and in-person settings. Key contributions include a transdisciplinary STEAM curriculum model integrating cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains; a reflective practice framework for STEM education; and empirical studies on how digital engagement, social-emotional learning, and collaborative technologies shape preservice teachers’ competencies.

Journal Articles

  • ElSayary, A. (2022). Transforming Pedagogy Through Design Thinking. Paper presented at the International Conference on Educational Technology, Virtual.
  • ElSayary, A., & Zein, R. (2021). Blended Learning Effectiveness in Preservice Teacher Development. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
  • ElSayary, A., Mohebi, L., & Meda, L. (2020). Digital Engagement and Teacher Competency Development. Paper presented at the Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education Conference, San Diego, CA.
  • ElSayary, A. (2023). Curriculum Design for Authentic Learning in STEAM Education. In M. Johnson (Ed.), Advances in Educational Technology and Pedagogy (pp. 145–162). Academic Press.
  • ElSayary, A., & Meda, L. (2022). Reflective Practice Frameworks in Teacher Education. In K. Smith & T. Williams (Eds.), Professional Development in Higher Education (pp. 78–95). Routledge.
  • ElSayary, A. (2021). Social-Emotional Learning and Digital Competency. In R. Patel (Ed.), Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments (pp. 203–220). Springer.
  • ElSayary, A. (2018). Designing Transdisciplinary Learning Experiences: Integration of Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Affective Domains in STEAM Education. Doctoral dissertation, University of Name.
  • ElSayary, A. (2015). Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Technology Integration in Science and Mathematics Instruction. Master’s thesis, University of Name.
  • ElSayary, A. (2018). The Relationship between Cognitive Development, Teaching Creative Thinking, Assessment, and an Interdisciplinary Approach. Journal for Researching Education Practice and Theory JREPT, 1(2), pp. 41-54
  • ElSayary, A. (2021). Transdisciplinary STEAM Curriculum Design and Authentic Assessment in Online Learning: A Model of Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Affective Domains. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 18(3), pp. 493-511. https://doi.org/10.36681/tused.2021.86
  • ElSayary, A. (2021). Using a Reflective Practice Model to Teach STEM Education in a Blended Learning Environment. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 17(2), em1942. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/9699
  • Meda, L., & ElSayary, A. (2021). Establishing Social, Cognitive and Teacher Presences During Emergency Remote Teaching: Reflections of Certified Online Instructors in the United Arab Emirates. Contemporary Educational Technology, 13(4), ep318. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/11073
  • ElSayary, A. (2022). Developing Preservice Teachers’ Design Thinking Mindset Using Interactive Technology. Journal of Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, 20(2), 13-16. https://doi.org/10.54808/JSCI.20.02.13
  • ElSayary, A., Zein, R., & San Antonio, L. (2022). Using Interactive Technology to Develop Preservice Teachers’ STEAM Competencies in Early Childhood Education Program. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(2), em2079. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/11649
  • ElSayary, A., Mohebi, L. & Meda, L. (2022). The Impact of the Relationship of Social/emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioral Engagements on Developing Preservice Teachers Digital Competency. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 21, pp.269-295. https://doi.org/10.28945/4982
  • 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). https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2022.19.3.11
  • 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. Перспективы Науки и Образования, 6(60), 598-611. https://www.doi.org/10.32744/pse.2022.6.36

Conference Papers

  • ElSayary, A. (2020). The Impact of using reflective, communicating and instrumental learning on developing students’ STE(A)M competencies. In ICTEL2020-International Conference on Teaching, Education and Learning, PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences (p. 23). Dubai; PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences ISSN 2454-5899.
  • ElSayary, A. (2021). Using Applied Technology to Enable Active Learning Environment: An Era of Online Learning. Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Society and Information Technologies: ICSIT 2021. Orlando Florida, USA.
  • ElSayary, A. (2021). Teaching and Assessing Creativity in STEAM Education. In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Society and Information Technologies (ICSIT 2021) (pp. 126-131). Orlando Florida, USA: International Institute of Informatics and Systematics.
  • ElSayary, A. (2021). Transforming Preservice Teachers’ Learning in Online Courses: A Framework of Instructional Design. In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Society and Information Technologies (ICSIT 2021) (pp. 81-86). Orlando Florida, USA: International Institute of Informatics and Systematics.
  • ElSayary, A. & Meda, L. (2022). Establishing Social, Cognitive and Teacher Presences to Develop Students’ Digital Competencies through their Engagements in Online Learning. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Society and Information Technologies: ICSIT 2022. Orlando Florida, USA.
  • ElSayary, A. (2022). A Pilot Study of Developing Preservice Teachers’ Design Thinking Mindset. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Society and Information Technologies: ICSIT 2022. Orlando Florida, USA.

Book Chapters

  • ElSayary, A., Forawi, S. & Mansour, N. (2015). Teaching thinking in STEM subjects: STEM education and problem-based learning, pp. 357-368, in: The Routledge International Handbook of Research on Teaching Thinking. Routledge International Handbooks. London and New York. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
  • ElSayary, A. (2020). Teaching and Assessing Creativity in STEAM Education. In Forawi, S. (Eds.), Science and Mathematics Education in Multicultural Contexts: New Directions in Teaching and Learning (pp. 76-93). Common Ground Research Networks. https://doi.org/10.18848/978-1-86335-225-3/CGP
  • ElSayary, A. (2020). Transforming Students’ Learning through Transdisciplinary STEAM Curriculum Design. In David, S.A., & Hill, C. (Eds.), Curriculum Innovation and Transformation: Studies on Design, Discourse and Development (pp.5-32). Beau Bassin: Scholar’s Press.

Theses

  • ElSayary, A. (2018). The Impact of Designing Transdisciplinary STEAM Curriculum using Authentic Assessment on Transforming Students Learning. Dubai: The British University in Dubai (BUID) Digital Repository.
  • ElSayary, A. M. A. (2014). The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning Strategy in STEM Education for Enhancing Students’ 21st Century Skills. Dubai: The British University in Dubai (BUID) Digital Repository.

Milestone 2 (2023-2026)

Scaling Impact: Active Learning, Professional Development, and Higher Education Innovation

Building on the first phase, this milestone applied and scaled those pedagogical foundations across more complex higher education contexts. Research examined reflective practices in blended and interdisciplinary courses, e-portfolio-based teacher preparation, professional development for inclusive education, active learning frameworks, and capstone education, demonstrating how transformative pedagogy drives measurable institutional outcomes.

Journal Articles

  • ElSayary, A., & Mohebi, L. (2023). The development of preservice teachers’ metacognitive knowledge and self-regulation in online learning. Journal of Educators Online, 20(3), 148-163. https://doi.org/10.9743/jeo.2023.20.3.11
  • Meda, L., Mohebi, L., & ElSayary, A. (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
  • 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). https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2023-0003
  • ElSayary, A. (2023). The influence of UAE schools initiatives on high-school students’ STEM career aspirations. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(2), em2225. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/12913
  • ElSayary, A., Eppard, J., Mohebi, L., Bailey, F., & Thomure, H. (2024). The effectiveness of an online training module for Pre-Service and In-Service teachers: a case study. the Journal of Educators Online, 21(3). https://doi.org/10.9743/jeo.2024.21.3.13
  • ElSayary, A., Mohebi, L. (2024). Fostering preservice teachers socio-emotional, technological, and metacognitive knowledge (STM-K) using eportfolios. Education and Information Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12894-7
  • ElSayary, A., Meda, L., Karaki., S. & Mohebi, L. (2024). 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://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.1228480
  • ElSayary, A. (2025). Enhancing teachers’ design thinking mindsets through reflective practice: Cultivating innovation in an upskilling STEAM training program. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, 21(3), em2600. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/16048
  • ElSayary, A., Karaki, S. & Ahmed, R. (2025). Exploring Reflective Practices in Blended Learning: A Deep Dive into Educators’ In-Action and On-Action Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Courses. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 25, pp. 019. https://doi.org/10.28945/5553
  • Hojeij, Z., & ElSayary, A. (2026). Perceptions of educational leaders about creating e-portfolios as part of a leadership upskilling program. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 15(1), 626. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v15i1.29818
  • ElSayary, A. (2026). Exploring preservice teachers’ design thinking mindset in a technology-enhanced active learning environment for stem courses. Online Learning, 30(1), pp. 213-245. https://doi.org.10.24059/olj.v30i1.4840
  • ElSayary, A., Al Murrshidi, G., Aisha, N., Opoku, M. P. & Al Zaabi, A. (2026). Investigating parental involvement and barriers shaping students’ English learning outcomes in the United Arab Emirates. Studies in English Language and Education, 13(2), 903-920. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v13i2.1079

Edited Books

  • ElSayary, A., & Olowoselu, A. (Eds.). (2023). Overcoming challenges in online learning: perspectives from asia and africa (Ser. Routledge research in digital education and educational technology). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003342335
  • Hojeij, Z. & ElSayary, A. (Eds.). (2027). Impacts of Capstone Projects for Future-Ready Graduates: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation. IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-5312-8

Book Chapters

  • Meda, L., Mohebi, L., & ElSayary, A. (2025). Teachers’ Experiences of Participating in an Inclusive Education Professional Development Program. In Mental Health, Disability, and Combating Marginalization in Education (pp. 193-212). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-7163-4.ch008
  • Karaki, S., ElSayary, A., Mohebi, L., & Meda, L. (2025). Examining the Impact of a Professional Development Program in Preparing Teachers for Inclusive Education. In Sustainable perspectives in business, Economics and finance (pp. 295-316). Peter Lang GmbH. https://doi.org/10.3726/b22751
  • ElSayary, A. (Ed.). (2025). Transforming Education: Enhancing Interactive Learning Through Advanced Prompt Engineering Techniques. In Prompt Engineering and Generative AI Applications for Teaching and Learning. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-7332-3.ch06
  • ElSayary, A. (Ed.). (2025). Fostering Ethical Digital Citizenship: A Policy Framework for Integrating Digital Ethics in Education. In Prompt Engineering and Generative AI Applications for Teaching and Learning. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-7332-3.ch016
  • ElSayary, A., Meda, L. & Mohebi, L. (2024). Equipped for Technology-Enhanced Teaching, Yet Unprepared for Online Education: Nurturing the Sustainable Development of Student Learning. In ElSayary, A. & Olowoselu, A. (2024). Interdisciplinary Approaches for Educators’ and Learners’ Well-being. Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65215-8_10
  • ElSayary, A. & Mohebi, L. (2024). A Study on the Transformational Leadership Qualities of Preservice Teachers in UAE Classroom. In Olowoselu, A., & ElSayary, A. (2024). International Perspectives on Educational Administration using Educational Inquiry. Routledge eBooks. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032621296-11
  • ElSayary, A. (2024). Developing Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers’ Design Thinking Mindsets Influenced by the E-Learning Environment. In Olowoselu, A., & ElSayary, A. (2024). International Perspectives on Educational Administration using Educational Inquiry. Routledge eBooks. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032621296-20
  • ElSayary, A., (2024). An Introduction to Interdisciplinary Approach on Global Issues for Educational Reform. In ElSayary, A. & Olowoselu, A. (2024). Interdisciplinary Approaches for Educators’ and Learners’ Well-being: Transforming Education for Sustainable Development. Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65215-8_1
  • Abdul Hadi, L. and ElSayary, A. (2023). Implementation of a High School Equivalency Policy in an Active Learning Environment: A Case Study of US-Curriculum School in the United Arab Emirates. In Lytras, M.D. (Ed.) Active and Transformative Learning in STEAM Disciplines. Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, pp. 259-279. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-618-420231013
  • ElSayary, A. and Baroudi, S. (2023). Educational Sustainability for Transforming Education: A New Approach of Active Learning in an Interdisciplinary Program in Higher Education. In Lytras, M.D. (Ed.) Active and Transformative Learning in STEAM Disciplines. Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, pp. 25-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-618-420231002
  • ElSayary, A. (2023). Introduction to Challenges of Online Learning. In ElSayary, A. & Olowoselu, A. (Eds.). (2023). Overcoming challenges in online learning: perspectives from asia and africa (pp.3-12). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003342335-2
  • ElSayary, A. (2023). Students’ Active Engagement in Online Learning. In ElSayary, A. & Olowoselu, A. (Eds.). (2023). Overcoming challenges in online learning: perspectives from asia and africa (pp.97-106). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003342335-12
  • ElSayary, A. (2023). Using Interactive Technology to Enable Interactive E-learning Environment. In ElSayary, A. & Olowoselu, A. (Eds.). (2023). Overcoming challenges in online learning: perspectives from asia and africa (pp.145-150). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003342335-17