Academic achievement in a rural community : the case study of a rural village in the West of Malta

Abstract

Situated in a rural community in the West of Malta, the purpose of this study is to analyse academic achievement across three generations, taking into consideration different aspects such as traditions, culture, values and the socio-economic context, which left their mark on the educational outcomes. In an attempt to target this issue, we looked at education from a multi-sided perspective taking into account issues which influence academic achievement such as parental involvement (or lack), childhood in rural set-up, the magnitude and variety of job opportunities and the socio-economic needs of families as evolved in the three respective generations. The writers used their experience and close contact with the village to gather data required to be later processed and discussed. This study shows the metamorphosis of a community and its philosophy on delicate issues such as education and our attempt to find different influential agents for this change.