ERIC Number: ED184800
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980-Apr
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Unique School Environment of Rural Children.
Dodendorf, Diane M.
Recorded observations, camera work, conversations with 19 children in grades K-4 in a Nebraska 2-room school house, and interviews with the teacher were techniques used to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the small rural school environment and its impact on children. Five attributes were found to be significant and unique small school advantages: the daily classroom routines, the use of learning by group methods, the interdependence demonstrated by the children, the independence of the children, and the community's involvement in the school. In addition to these advantages, there was a congruity between the school's values and the community's values that promoted an environment for children that was both academically strong and emotionally secure. The teachers reported no difference in general academic performance between urban and rural children. Although a review of literature on rural education described many disadvantages (inadequate teacher preparation, poor educational materials, outdated texts, inbred groups of students, lack of confidentiality, and lack of resource people and materials), the only deficit evidenced in this rural school was a lack of resources due to geographic location. (Author/NEC)
Descriptors: Access to Education, Case Studies, Classroom Environment, Community Involvement, Educational Benefits, Educational Environment, Educational Quality, Educational Resources, Elementary Education, Group Dynamics, Rural Education, Rural Schools, School Community Relationship, School Size, Small Schools, Student Behavior, Values
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nebraska
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A