Higher Education in Saudi Arabia: Reforms, Challenges and Priorities / Larry Smith, Abdulrahman Abouammoh -- Dreams and Realities: The World-Class Idea and Saudi Arabian Higher Education / Abdulhalem Mazi, Philip G. Altbach -- Governance in Saudi Higher Education / Einas S. Al-Eisa, Larry Smith -- The Learning Experiences of Saudi Arabian Higher Education Leadership: Characteristics for Global Success / Omar Al-Swailem, Geoffrey Elliott -- Delivering High-Quality Teaching and Learning for University Students in Saudi Arabia / Saleh A. Alnassar, Kwong Lee Dow -- Assessment of Student Learning / Eqbal Darandari, Anne Murphy -- The Role of Information Technology in Supporting Quality Teaching and Learning / Stephen Colbran, Nadia Al-Ghreimil -- Selecting and Developing High-Quality Academic Staff / Saleh Al-Ghamdi, Malcolm Tight -- Knowledge-Based Innovation and Research Productivity in Saudi Arabia / Mohammad Al-Ohali, Jung Cheol Shin -- Accreditation and Quality Assurance / Eqbal Darandari, Phil Cardew -- Higher Education for Women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia / Fatima B. Jamjoom, Philippa Kelly -- Private Higher Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Reality, Challenges and Aspirations / Waleed Al-Dali, Mohammed Fnais, Ian Newbould -- Development of Medical Education in Saudi Arabia / Mohammad Yahya Al-Shehri, Steve Campbell -- Student Scholarships in Saudi Arabia: Implications and Opportunities for Overseas Engagement / Fawzy Bukhari, Brian Denman -- International Collaboration / Mohammad Al-Ohali, Steve Burdon -- Challenges and Opportunities for Higher Education in Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Focus Group / Larry Smith, Abdulrahman Abouammoh -- Higher Education in Saudi Arabia: Conclusions / Larry Smith, Abdulrahman Abouammoh.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

This book provides the first academically rigorous description and critical analysis of the Higher Education system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and of the vision, strategies and policy imperatives for the future development of Saudi universities. The government of Saudi Arabia has recognized in both policy and practice the necessity of developing its university system to world-class standard. Significantly increasing access and participation in Higher Education across a range of traditional and non-traditional disciplines is directly relevant to the future social and economic growth of the country. This book addresses the way in which Saudi Arabia is moving to develop a quality university system that balances the need for students to gain the knowledge, skills and 'ways of doing' necessary to operate effectively on the world stage while simultaneously maintaining and demonstrating the fundamental values of the Islamic religion and culture. The book provides a description and critical analysis of the key components of the Saudi Higher Education system, and of system-level responses to the challenges and opportunities facing Saudi universities. It is written by a team of Saudi academics and authors of international standing from non-Saudi universities so as to provide both internal and external perspectives on all issues and to place information and ideas in the context of the international Higher Education scene.