Making learning and teaching a richer experience: A challenge for rural Fijian primary schools

Abstract

Govinda Ishwar Lingam and Narsamma Lingam

The purpose of the study was to determine teachers’ perception of the availability and adequacy of resources for the provision of a richer learning and teaching experience to children in a rural Fijian primary school. Analysis of the data gathered from the teachers shows the school to be in dire need of such resources as textbooks, science materials, library books, sports equipment and curriculum materials for creating stimulating opportunities for children and teachers. The study findings have implications not only for the quality of schooling provided to the children in rural areas but also for teachers’ professional work and the funding criteria adopted by the principal stakeholder in funding small rural schools. The implications are likely to be relevant, too, for education provision in small schools located in remote rural areas of other jurisdictions, especially in developing contexts.