ABDULLAH MOHAMMAD ALHOWAIL
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, advanced statistical analysis, and research design. Strong background in educational counselling, program development, and strategic planning, with a proven ability to design and implement innovative educational practices. Recognised for problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with extensive experience in cross-cultural research aimed at enhancing student outcomes and supporting educational initiatives aligned with national development goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Teaching Assistant & Dissertation Co-Supervisor
Durham University
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Taught postgraduate modules in research design and statistics.
- Supervised undergraduate research projects in Business and Educational Psychology.
- Guided students on methodology, analysis, and academic writing.
School Principal
Saudi Ministry of Education
Riyadh
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Company Overview: Government organisation responsible for education in Saudi Arabia.
- Led academic and administrative operations in secondary school.
- Implemented behavioural and counselling programs, improving student discipline and academic outcomes.
- Supervised teaching staff and coordinated professional development initiatives.
- Government organisation responsible for education in Saudi Arabia.
- Established robust disciplinary policies, upheld school values.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities to inspire staff performance.
- Developed strategic vision by encouraging staff input and collaboration.
- Oversaw facilities management, maintained safe learning environment.
- Enhanced community relations by organising regular parent-teacher meetings.
Head of Family & Psychological Counseling Department
Hayat Family Development Association
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Designed and supervised family and youth counselling programs.
- Delivered psychological, educational, and social consultations.
- Led training workshops for parents, teachers, and youth groups.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
School Vice-Principal
Saudi Ministry of Education
Riyadh
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Company Overview: Government organization responsible for education in Saudi Arabia.
- Oversaw student affairs and school administration.
- Supported curriculum planning and classroom management improvements.
- Government organization responsible for education in Saudi Arabia.
- Built strong relationships between school and community stakeholders, enhanced school's reputation in local area..
- Implemented progressive discipline policy, reduced behaviour issues significantly.
Teacher
Saudi Ministry of Education
Riyadh
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Company Overview: Government organization responsible for education in Saudi Arabia.
- Taught Islamic Studies and guided student development.
- Integrated counselling and guidance strategies into daily teaching practice.
- Government organisation responsible for education in Saudi Arabia.
Trainee in Clinical Psychology
Mutmainnah Psychiatric Center
01.2015 - 04.2015
- Completed 3-month clinical training in diagnostic interviews, mental health assessments, and psychotherapy techniques.
- Assisted senior staff in data analysis tasks to inform strategic decisions.
- Managed correspondence, keeping all parties up-to-date on project developments.
- Increased team productivity by taking diligent meeting minutes.
Student Counselor
Saudi Ministry of Education
Riyadh
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Company Overview: Government organisation responsible for education in Saudi Arabia.
- Delivered individual and group counselling for over 200 students.
- Designed prevention and intervention programs addressing bullying, exam anxiety, and dropout risk.
- Government organisation responsible for education in Saudi Arabia.
- Organised workshops on stress management, leading to enhanced student performance.
- Achieved improved student wellbeing with proactive mental health support.
Education
PhD - Educational Psychology
Durham University
United Kingdom 04.2021 -
M.A. - Learning and Teaching Leadership
University of Dundee
United Kingdom 09.2019 - 10.2020
B.A. - Islamic Studies – Education Track
Qassim University
Saudi Arabia 08.2006 - 02.2010
Skills
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Statistical software proficiency
- Research design and methodology
- Educational counselling and guidance
- Program development and leadership
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Innovation in education practices
- Cross-cultural research expertise
Publications
- Is Foreign Language Anxiety Malleable? A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Observation Studies., Sun, Q., Alhowail, A., & Beckmann, N., 2025, System, Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2025.103782
- Evaluation of the Critical Thinking Skills of Secondary School Students in Saudi Arabia., Alhowail, A. M., & Albaqami, S. E., 2024, Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 82(1), 7–28, https://doi.org/10.33225/PEC/24.82.07
Conference Presentations
- Imagining Better Education Conference 2025 – Durham University, UK
- JURE 2024 – 28th Conference for Research on Learning and Instruction – Sevilla, Spain
Certification
- Certified Trainer (TOT – Training of Trainers)
- Certified School Evaluation Specialist – Education & Training Evaluation Commission, Saudi Arabia
- 300+ hours of training in Psychological Diagnosis & Treatment – Mutmainnah Psychiatric Center
- Emotional Intelligence Workshop – Institute of Public Administration, Saudi Arabia
- 50-Hour Training in Modern Educational Technologies
Affiliations
- Member, American Psychological Association (APA)
- Member, Saudi Society for Educational & Psychological Sciences (GESTEN)
Languages
Arabic
Proficient (C2)
English
Fluent
Timeline
Teaching Assistant & Dissertation Co-Supervisor
Durham University
01.2023 - 01.2024
PhD - Educational Psychology
Durham University
04.2021 -
M.A. - Learning and Teaching Leadership
University of Dundee
09.2019 - 10.2020
School Principal
Saudi Ministry of Education
01.2016 - 01.2019
School Vice-Principal
Saudi Ministry of Education
01.2015 - 01.2016
Trainee in Clinical Psychology
Mutmainnah Psychiatric Center
01.2015 - 04.2015
Head of Family & Psychological Counseling Department
Hayat Family Development Association
01.2014 - 01.2019
Student Counselor
Saudi Ministry of Education
01.2014 - 01.2015
Teacher
Saudi Ministry of Education
01.2010 - 01.2016
B.A. - Islamic Studies – Education Track
Qassim University
08.2006 - 02.2010
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