Possibilities And Challenges Of De-Privatisation Of Classrooms In A Developing Nation

De-privatisation of classrooms signifies the opening of classrooms so teachers can 'observe', 'be observed' or 'engage in team teaching'. This study examined the perceptions and practices of school staff to determine the possibilities and challenges of deprivatisation of classrooms in Fiji. Employing case study methodology, data were gathered from two urban secondary schools using on-line questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. A total of 71 questionnaires and 16 interviews were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods respectively. There were several findings which emerged from the study. Firstly, that there is a strong correlation between 'observe' and 'be observed' by colleagues. Secondly, that teachers' major challenges in regard to deprivatisation of classrooms are the workload and school culture. Thirdly, in developing countries, colleagues and the heads of department are seen as the most suitable people in the school context to cultivate the effects of de-privatisation particularly inside the classroom where support is needed to help teachers improve the instructional practices. Overall, teachers, heads of department and the school administrators need to work together to establish a culture of professional learning communities (PLCs) to enhance teachers' instructional practices.