Student wellbeing in Qatar: a systems thinking approach to educational, societal, and cultural challenges

IntroductionThis study investigated the challenges affecting sustainable student well-being in Qatar, with a specific emphasis on educational, societal, and cultural dimensions. Using Systems Thinking to conceptualize the interconnected nature of these challenges, the study aimed to analyze how thes...

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Main Author: Hessa Al-Thani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1549846/full
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author Hessa Al-Thani
author_facet Hessa Al-Thani
author_sort Hessa Al-Thani
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionThis study investigated the challenges affecting sustainable student well-being in Qatar, with a specific emphasis on educational, societal, and cultural dimensions. Using Systems Thinking to conceptualize the interconnected nature of these challenges, the study aimed to analyze how these domains collectively impact student well-being.MethodsData were gathered from focus groups involving key stakeholders, including educators, parents, and policymakers. The discussions were analyzed to identify complex relationships and patterns across the educational, societal, and cultural domains.ResultsEducational challenges included systemic deficiencies, inadequate curricula, and a lack of opportunities for critical and creative thinking. Societal challenges encompassed social stereotyping, adverse social conditions, and insufficient familial support for progressive education. Cultural challenges highlighted issues related to identity, values, and the influence of a rentier mindset. The study revealed a fragmented educational system hindered by a lack of unified vision and professional development opportunities, along with societal constraints that impede intellectual growth. Additionally, concerns were raised over the erosion of cultural identity and religious values, exacerbated by Western educational norms and the dominance of English over Arabic. Rapid economic growth in Qatar has also led to increased materialism and individualism, affecting social cohesion.DiscussionAddressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that integrates educational reforms, societal support, and cultural preservation. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators seeking to enhance sustainable student well-being and create a more holistic educational environment in Qatar.
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spelling doaj-art-ffc658c6c93f45fabf1049c1db0a3bcb2025-08-20T03:48:27ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Education2504-284X2025-05-011010.3389/feduc.2025.15498461549846Student wellbeing in Qatar: a systems thinking approach to educational, societal, and cultural challengesHessa Al-ThaniIntroductionThis study investigated the challenges affecting sustainable student well-being in Qatar, with a specific emphasis on educational, societal, and cultural dimensions. Using Systems Thinking to conceptualize the interconnected nature of these challenges, the study aimed to analyze how these domains collectively impact student well-being.MethodsData were gathered from focus groups involving key stakeholders, including educators, parents, and policymakers. The discussions were analyzed to identify complex relationships and patterns across the educational, societal, and cultural domains.ResultsEducational challenges included systemic deficiencies, inadequate curricula, and a lack of opportunities for critical and creative thinking. Societal challenges encompassed social stereotyping, adverse social conditions, and insufficient familial support for progressive education. Cultural challenges highlighted issues related to identity, values, and the influence of a rentier mindset. The study revealed a fragmented educational system hindered by a lack of unified vision and professional development opportunities, along with societal constraints that impede intellectual growth. Additionally, concerns were raised over the erosion of cultural identity and religious values, exacerbated by Western educational norms and the dominance of English over Arabic. Rapid economic growth in Qatar has also led to increased materialism and individualism, affecting social cohesion.DiscussionAddressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that integrates educational reforms, societal support, and cultural preservation. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators seeking to enhance sustainable student well-being and create a more holistic educational environment in Qatar.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1549846/fullstudent wellbeingintellectual challengeseducational and societal influencescultural identitysystems thinkingQatar
spellingShingle Hessa Al-Thani
Student wellbeing in Qatar: a systems thinking approach to educational, societal, and cultural challenges
Frontiers in Education
student wellbeing
intellectual challenges
educational and societal influences
cultural identity
systems thinking
Qatar
title Student wellbeing in Qatar: a systems thinking approach to educational, societal, and cultural challenges
title_full Student wellbeing in Qatar: a systems thinking approach to educational, societal, and cultural challenges
title_fullStr Student wellbeing in Qatar: a systems thinking approach to educational, societal, and cultural challenges
title_full_unstemmed Student wellbeing in Qatar: a systems thinking approach to educational, societal, and cultural challenges
title_short Student wellbeing in Qatar: a systems thinking approach to educational, societal, and cultural challenges
title_sort student wellbeing in qatar a systems thinking approach to educational societal and cultural challenges
topic student wellbeing
intellectual challenges
educational and societal influences
cultural identity
systems thinking
Qatar
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1549846/full
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