Impact of school locality on teaching and learning: A qualitative inquiry

Abstract

This research examined the impact of school location on teaching and learning through a case study of two urban, two rural and two remote Fijian secondary schools. A total of 48 semi-structured interviews were conducted: 16 from each category of urban, rural and remote. Each school was represented by three teachers, three heads of department and two administrators. The study established that rural and remote schools often face different challenges to their urban counterparts: geography, poverty and funding influence the quality of education. Leadership support and adequate resources are the key to breaking the overreliance on traditional methods of teaching and enhancing student classroom interest and participation. Finally, just as schools serve different communities, geographical location impacts on external links, cooperation and professional exchange and development. Understanding the impact of school locality on teaching and learning in Fiji should benefit other developing nations and the educational community at large.