A comparative study of rural and urban teachers’ perceptions of professional development

This research examines rural and urban teachers’ perceptions of Professional Development (PD) needs. Using a qualitative research design, data were gathered by means of document analysis and semi-structured interviews with 10 rural and 10 urban teachers. The major findings which emerged were, first, the PD needs of rural schools are slightly different from urban schools; secondly, all teachers need PD to sustain the changes made to their teaching practice regardless of their geographical locations; and finally, teachers’ collaboration forms the basis of any PD. Overall, both the rural and urban teachers’ perception was that effective PD enhances professional practice, which ultimately enhances student learning. This study, by providing information on the PD needs of the rural and urban teachers in Fiji, could be of interest to schools and the Ministry of Education (MoE).