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There has been much research in rural education dating back to the classical social theories of Tönnies (1957) and Weber (1964, 1970). Although their writings demonstrate epistemological differences, there are similarities found in their challenge to understand what was happening as a result of a shift from rural to urban styles of living, and how personal relationships and community life pre-industrial revolution were affected. Since that time others have continued the quest, especially as it pertains to rural education.
As examples, DeYoung asserts that much of the literature on the needs of rural schools, at least in the United States, focuses on ‘more and better data-based studies on rural schooling dynamics’, or ‘on administrative issues … in the operation of these institutions’ (1987, p. 129). Hathaway (1993) points out an increased interest in rural education in the areas of economics of scale, leadership styles, program enrichment, student achievement, student grouping, and transportation (p. 3). Harmon, Howley, and Sanders (1996) add that overall effectiveness of rural schools, curricular provisions, school and community partnerships, human resources, use of technology, financial support, and governance are also pertinent topics. Some writers maintain that much of the quality research on issues in rural schooling is being carried out by anthropologists and historians (DeYoung, 1987), ethnographers (Khattri, Riley, & Kane, 1997) and sociologists (Howley, 1997; Corbett, 2007), and through fictional and non-fictional literature (Chambers, 1999). And, although research from these fields may prove beneficial to rural educators, it has been argued (DeYoung, 1987; Theobald & Nachtigal, 1995; Bauch, 2001) that educational researchers need to take the lead in advancing such research and that “the work of the rural school is … to attend to its own place” (Theobald & Nachtigal, 1995, p. 132). The literature and student discussions in a distance education graduate course being taught on current issues in rural education, initiated research which began in 2006. It is believed that, as one example of curriculum research, grounded in the personal and professional knowledge of one group of practicing teachers and their instructor, this work has potential significance for others working in the field of education.
Significance
Teachers, as graduate students, become producers and disseminators of knowledge that can play a central and supportive role in determining curriculum design, curriculum implementation, and teacher training. In recording such knowledge production, the results of this study provides an opportunity to inform rural education as it pertains to teacher knowledge and practice. Also, the research has the potential to build capacity between university instructors and teachers in schools as professional learning communities. Universities are seen as places of theory and schools as places of practice. A seminar course approach as a means to data collection helps bridge the gap between theory and practice. Such a union provides practicing educators as graduate students an opportunity to have a voice in issues of rural education, not only for accreditation purposes but also for the public advancement of knowledge.