Value Construction among Students of Al-Istiqlal and Birzeit Universities from Their Perspective: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the reality of value construction among students at Al-Istiqlal and Birzeit Universities, considering the variables of university, gender, and major. The researcher adopted the descriptive-analytical approach, using a questionnaire consisting of 46 items distributed across five dimensions. The questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 200 male and female students. The results revealed a high level of value construction in the intellectual, ideological, social, aesthetic, and national dimensions, while a noticeable decline was observed in personal values, particularly among female students at Birzeit University. The findings indicated statistically significant differences in some dimensions based on the study variables. Students majoring in humanities (Law and Psychology) showed higher levels of national and personal values compared to students of Information Systems. Moreover, the policies and environment at Al-Istiqlal University contributed to promoting aesthetic values and discipline among students. The study recommends strengthening positive values among university youth through comprehensive educational, cultural, and pedagogical policies, with a particular focus on developing programs to build personal values and support technical majors with initiatives that enhance national and humanitarian awareness, under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and the universities.