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A comparative study of urban, rural and remote teachers’ de-privatised practices

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 08:44 authored by Parmeshwar Mohan, Karen SwabeyKaren Swabey, John Kertesz
De-privatisation of classrooms is characterised by formal and informal invitations to colleagues to access classroom management, pedagogical approaches and teaching practices. This case study of six secondary schools examined the perceptions and practices of de-privatised practice amongst Fijian urban, rural and remote area teachers. Quantitative and qualitative data was generated from a total of 197 online questionnaires and 48 face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Key findings of the research were, firstly, that school geographical locations had no impact on teachers’ perceptions and practices of classroom de-privatisation. Secondly, de-privatised practices are impacted on by individual, group, school and governmental factors. Thirdly, in Fiji the consistent drive to de-privatise classrooms is lacking, as the policies do not support such reforms. Nonetheless, teacher perceptions validated the belief that classroom de-privatisation enhances teacher professional growth that promotes improved student learning. These findings have implications for the design of teachers’ professional learning communities (PLCs) in Fiji and beyond.

History

Publication title

Waikato Journal of Education

Volume

24

Pagination

83-94

ISSN

2382-0373

Department/School

Faculty of Education

Publisher

Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research, Division of Education, University of Waikato

Place of publication

New Zealand

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Policies and development; Pacific Peoples education not elsewhere classified