ERIC Number: EJ1449984
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2637-8965
EISSN: N/A
Social Network Analysis of Educators in Rural Schools: A Literature Review
Tracy Poulsen; Heather Leary; Erin Feinauer Whiting; Rebecca Sansom
Educational Research: Theory and Practice, v35 n4 p30-48 2024
Social network theory posits that social interactions provide access to information and other resources but may also constrain opportunities. Although social networks have been analyzed in educational settings to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and the structures supporting or constraining educators, few studies address how social network analysis (SNA) has been utilized in rural settings. A review of the literature on social networks in rural schools among teachers and/or administrators indicates there is little research on the ties among rural educators, with a frequent assumption of no networking opportunities. Although similar attributes and proximity are frequently uncovered as predictors of tie formation in traditional SNA, in rural spaces these attributes are often intentionally utilized to structure effective networking and professional development. Studies within a school or district differed from studies between schools or districts. Due to the unique characteristics of rural settings, researchers should consider using ego-network studies or expanding defined boundaries of social networks to develop a clearer picture of the networks that provide opportunities or constrain rural educators.
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Social Networks, Rural Schools, Teacher Collaboration, Shared Resources and Services, Rural Areas, Barriers
Northern Rocky Mountain Educational Research Association. Web site: http://www.nrmera.org/educational-research-theory-practice/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: Elementary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A