Science, ICT and Mathematics Education in Rural and Regional Australia: State and Territory Case Studies - Companion volume to the SiMERR National Survey

Abstract

This book is the companion volume to 'Science, ICT and Mathematics Education in Rural and Regional Australia: Report from the SiMERR National Survey'. It reports the findings from a series of focus group interviews conducted with teachers, parents/caregivers and students in each state and territory. A total of 112 interviews were held in 38 rural and remote schools, generating a rich body of data that complements the mainly quantitative nature of the first volume. The interviews were conducted by research teams from each of the state and territory hubs of SiMERR Australia. Team members travelled widely in an attempt to tap into the diversity of rural schools. While following a common, semi-structured interview schedule, each research team also explored local issues and teased out similarities and differences in school situation. This approach allowed the hub teams a degree of flexibility in the structure and emphasis of their reports.