Preparing teachers for rural schools: An empirical evidence from a Fiji case

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the pre-service training program of a teacher education institution in Fiji to determine whether it equipped beginning teachers for work in rural schools. Data for the study was gathered by means of interviews with key people in the case study institution and beginning teachers posted to a rural school. Also, analysis of documents such as, the College Handbook was carried out to gather information needed for the study. Analysis of the data showed that a course entitled DPE230, an enrichment activity known as Rural Homestay together with rural teaching practice were the innovations introduced to cater for the preparation of pre-service teachers for work in rural schools. The College staff felt the innovations introduced in the pre-service program had a positive impact in the preparation of teachers’ for work in rural schools. Likewise, the analysis of the feedback obtained from the beginning teachers clearly indicated that they were satisfied with their preparation as they adjusted themselves well to work and life in the rural school. The present study relating to pre-service training of teachers for teachers’ world of work is useful as it has implications also to higher education institutions within and outside Fiji to prepare teachers to meet the challenges of rural work and life.