Regenerating rural social space? Teacher education for rural–regional sustainability

Authors

Jo-Anne Reid, Charles Sturt UniversityFollow
Bill Green, Charles Sturt University
Maxine Cooper, University of Ballarat
Wendy Hastings, Charles Sturt University
Graeme Lock, Edith Cowan University
Simone White, Deakin University

Abstract

The complex interconnection among issues affecting rural–regional sustainability requires an equally complex program of research to ensure the attraction and retention of high-quality teachers for rural children. The educational effects of the construction of the rural within a deficit discourse are highlighted. A concept of rural social space is modelled, bringing together social, economic and environmental dimensions of (rural–regional) sustainability. This framework combines quantitative definitional processes with more situated definitions of rural space based on demographic and other social data, across both geographic and cultural formations. The implications of the model are examined in terms of its importance for teacher education.

Recommended Citation

Reid, Jo-Anne; Green, Bill; Cooper, Maxine; Hastings, Wendy; Lock, Graeme; and White, Simone (2010) "Regenerating rural social space? Teacher education for rural–regional sustainability," Australian Journal of Education: Vol. 54: Iss. 3, Article 3.
Available at: https://research.acer.edu.au/aje/vol54/iss3/3