Describes personal experiences with university research and development. Criticizes university research as ineffective and inwardly focused, resulting in a concept of scientific research that negates the notion of economic development. Complains that the focus of study no longer contributes to an increase in consumable wealth. Urges that…

Presents some of the major issues and trends in research on higher education. Includes a history of the concept of a university, the university as a social system, goals of university education, and traditions of the Western university. Discusses the crisis and reappraisal of higher education in the late 1960s and revision of the undergraduate…

Describes the financial crises of higher education institutions in French-speaking Sub-Saharan African nations. Suggests that higher education is still overfunded in relation to other levels of education. Recommends more efficient spending and fewer, but better, students to improve the image of education in these nations. (CFR)

Discusses the state of education in Africa. Argues that programs must be modified according to the political, social, and economic conditions of each country. States that school enrollments have stagnated, and quality of education has declined, resulting in increased school failure and a low level of cognitive achievement. Discusses collaborative…

Asserts that an increasingly interdependent Europe will require a high degree of literacy and lifelong learning. Maintains that excessive television viewing hinders the development of literacy skills. Recommends more research about literacy issues. (CFR)

Describes changes in the education systems of Latin America and the work of ethnographic researchers in the area. Examines thematic trends such as cultural reproduction, school failure, schools and the disadvantaged, teachers' protest movements, and what knowledge is really being acquired. Argues that critical attitudes have enhanced the status of…

Examines educational policies and issues in small nations and territories with high degrees of administrative autonomy. Maintains that strong feelings of nationalism can be both a benefit and a barrier to establishing an effective educational system. Argues that small countries are not simply scaled-down versions of larger nations; they have an…

States that the emerging systems of education throughout the world since 1980 provide a fertile ground for research. Reviews educational systems and focuses on topics such as compulsory education, growth in enrollments, women in education, and vocational education. Suggests that there is a convergence of structures and practices in much of the…

Compares first grade dropout and repetition rates between regions and within two cities, Belem and Porto Alegre, Brazil. Focuses on teacher selection, qualifications, and attitudes through classroom observation, 72 interviews, and 155 questionnaires. Shows first grade teachers expect low-income students to fail and encourage failure through…