Evolving needs |
AT a recent conference, an interesting question arose regarding the differences in the needs of students in rural and urban areas. Perhaps the biggest challenge faced by teachers in our rural and urban classrooms is limited individual attention resulting from large classes. The problem is compounded by mixed ability (and mixed age groups in rural classrooms). Not many teachers have access to training that helps them navigate these challenges.
Another equally big challenge is implementing strategies to make a significant departure from teacher-led classrooms based on lecture methods. Teachers in both rural and urban areas have struggled to make the shift towards more student-centred approaches such as inquiry-based lessons with hands-on work. Keeping students engaged is a struggle for teachers in both urban and rural areas. Distractions are rampant and teacher expertise is put to the test when students do not show commitment towards academic achievement.
Both rural and urban teachers address students who struggle with the language of instruction — usually compounded by the teachers’ own lack of expertise in it. The language of instruction becomes a big enough barrier to completing the curriculum and achieving the desired results, and........