Implemented policies in rural schools: International bibliometric analysis (2001-2020)

Abstract

Rural schools are a reality on all five continents, with their own characteristic features, although they are highly influenced by the educational policies implemented in the different countries. In this study we examine the state of research on rural school policy at the international level through a bibliometric analysis of scientific articles published in the last 20 years. The results show the existence of 20 studies, from which we analyse research trends and policies. We identified a clear trend involving a predominance of qualitative studies aimed at examining policies implemented and carried out with teacher participation. Furthermore, the educational policies examined originate in the fields of health and curriculum and have diversified into the fields of school management, national and supranational policies, and equity. We conclude this incipient field is an object of study in which emerging disaggregated studies do not reveal the best policies to implement in rural schools in order to differentiate their identities from those of urban schools.