Page 66 - ALEF EDUCATION PR REPORT JUNE 2025

6/19/25, 10:19 AM Latest News
reading (Khalifa & Weir, 2009) was utilized. It should be noted that the sociocognitive framework for reading has been used by reputable
examination boards such as Cambridge. The key components of the sociocognitive framework for reading comprehension are linguistic
knowledge, cognitive processing, background knowledge, and metacognitive strategies. In building the reading items for the survey, a
rigorous methodology was followed in terms of recruiting, inducting, training, monitoring and evaluating item writers to ensure the highest
standards of item quality.
The Arabic Scale is developed using triangulation scientific research methodology that integrates both quantitative and qualitative
analyses of multiple data sources. In addition to data gathered from the field survey on students’ reading proficiency, the second data
source involved the creation of a large Arabic corpus featuring over 70 million structures and words, derived from more than 8,000
carefully curated Arabic texts from various subject areas, fields and topics reflecting the language’s richness, culture, heritage and
diversity.
The third data source was via conducting a pairwise comparative study with participation from over 450 Arabic language experts and
educators from 18 Arab countries. In this study, participants were given two passages and had to identify which one was more difficult.
The data collected from this study was used to create rankings of difficulty for 2,000 passages. These were the basis for the machine
learning algorithms of Miqyas Al Dhad readability formulae. Pairwise study is a known methodology in the machine learning field.
Smart and Comprehensive Services / Innovative and Large-scale Solutions
Miqyas Al Dhad offers a comprehensive suite of smart tools and services designed to elevate Arabic reading proficiency and enable
accurate assessment of reading ability and text readability. At the Centre of it all is the Reading Scale, an innovative tool that evaluates
reading comprehension, empowering educators to assess student reading ability and pinpoint learning needs accurately.
Additional tools include: a validated item bank of reading items suitable for each school grade; a Smart Text Analyzer, an AI-powered tool
for evaluating text complexity; and high frequency keyword lists offering a rich academic vocabulary database for every school grade. It
also includes ‘Find-a-Book’, a smart digital hub that provides students, educators, and parents with measured texts and books suitable
for their reading levels and interests. Miqyas Al Dhad further supports educators through its innovative Reading Growth Plan, a predictive
system that monitors student reading development over time and delivers actionable insights to guide educational planning based on
individual needs.
A Scientific Reference for Arabic Educational Development
Miqyas Al Dhad marks a significant milestone in advancing Arabic literacy. By providing standardised, research-based tools, it enables
the creation of more effective and responsive educational curricula tailored to the needs of educators. Additionally, it provides educational
decision-makers and researchers with accurate data to understand linguistic challenges and devise sustainable solutions. The initiative
aims to empower students to use Arabic confidently and efficiently across various academic and professional contexts, establishing new
criteria for excellence in Arabic language learning.
- Ends –

https://www.arabbnews.com/english/Latest-News.asp?id=18438 2/2