A Theoretical Approach to the Educational Praxis of Secondary School Teachers in Rural Contexts

Abstract

The educational praxis of secondary school teachers in rural contexts faces a series of challenges and opportunities that are fundamental to the comprehensive education of students and the development of local communities. Education in rural settings must be adapted to the realities and needs of the community, integrating local culture, traditions, and economic activities such as agriculture, livestock farming, and handicrafts. These elements enable more relevant and meaningful learning, provided that teachers are adequately trained to address them. However, rural communities often face challenges in accessing quality education, making it necessary to implement inclusive educational strategies that address and integrate cultural diversity, local traditions, and economic conditions. In this regard, the main purpose of this research was to explore the educational practice of secondary school teachers in the Venezuelan rural context, specifically in the state of Aragua. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach under the post-positivist paradigm and was guided by Van Manen’s (2003) hermeneutic phenomenological method. The analysis included coding, categorization, comparison and contrast, and interpretation of the findings. Triangulation was applied by integrating theoretical contributions, previous research findings, and the researcher’s perspective. The conclusions highlight the need to contextualize teacher training for rural educational settings and to integrate educational technologies that facilitate access to information and learning. It is also important to emphasize the relevance of educational policies in rural areas, which should promote a greater diversity of educational resources and increased investment in infrastructure. Furthermore, teacher training programs should focus on methodologies aligned with rural contexts in order to strengthen the theoretical foundations of rural teaching praxis.