[Joining in August 2025] WAN Yi

Research Areas and Themes

My academic focus lies in Comparative Education, with a particular emphasis on education and rural development. During my PhD and master’s studies, I conducted in-depth research on several critical issues: dropout rates in rural secondary schools, the emergence of low-cost private schools, and policy implications for rural migrant children within the Chinese context. Recently, my research interests have expanded to include three key areas: curriculum development for rural teacher preparation, the evolving role of social workers in educational settings, and girls’ education in developing countries. In terms of research methodology, I primarily employ qualitative approaches, including extensive fieldwork, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation.

Research Areas and Themes of the Students

I am particularly interested in supervising students who wish to explore the following research areas:

• Education and Migration Studies

Investigating the educational impacts of various migration patterns (international/ internal/ forced/ voluntary) on individuals and communities
Analyzing policies and practices that either facilitate or hinder population mobility and their educational implications：Exploring the intersection of migration policies with educational access and quality.

• Gender Equality in Education

Strategies for empowering girls’ education in less developed regions and countries；Examining the significance of girls’ education for individual, social and economic development; Investigating the role of emerging technologies in enhancing educational opportunities for girls.

• Low-Cost Private Schools and Marginalized Populations

Assessing the role and effectiveness of low-cost private schools in serving disadvantaged children; Exploring the equity implications of private education in resource-constrained settings; Investigating policy frameworks governing private education for underserved populations.

• Teacher Education for Rural and Remote Areas

Developing innovative approaches to teacher preparation for rural and remote contexts; Examining strategies for sustainable professional development of rural educators; Investigating the challenges and opportunities in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers in underserved areas; Exploring curriculum development tailored to the needs of rural education systems.

Message to Prospective Students

Let’s work together to nurture your curiosity and sharpen your critical thinking about the world – the key tools for success in academia and beyond.