The dynamics of the university systems in low income countries have changed drastically in the last three decades, and suggest directions in which higher education might be heading. Financing which depends more heavily on private resources and user contributions is the only feasible approach for reducing existing inefficiency and increasing…

One of a series offering practical advice and information on distance teaching, this broadsheet focuses on the ways in which distance teaching can support, expand, and change secondary education. Traditional criticisms of secondary schools are examined, including their irrelevancy, inefficiency, and inequity. Issues of distance education…

An overview of recent history of Nigerian higher education chronicles periods of phenomenal expansion, economic downturn and retrenchment, monitoring of efficiency and academic standards, continued uncontrolled expansion in the absence of basic facilities, recently improved fiscal management, revival of student aid, and proposals for the opening…

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)

Describes the current status of the educational system of Malta. Asserts that a scarcity of personnel and financial resources put great pressure on teachers, administrators, and students. Contends that Maltese educators and the educational system are becoming more self-confident and self-reliant. (CFR)

Expresses concern about recent trends in financing higher education in India. Outlines several proposals for finance reform and considers national and international experiences with them. Argues that reform suggestions being made for developing countries are not empirically valid for the contexts in which they are to be implemented. (Author/MSE)

Experiences of different countries in establishing mechanisms to coordinate development of higher education systems, diversify institutional financing, and increase efficiency of public investments are examined. Attention is drawn to the need for effective policy structures to manage higher education, link reform costs to benefits, acknowledge…

Donors to higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa have urged universities to undertake strategic planning, including restructuring of relationships with government. Such plans must have a different structure and focus than traditional strategic plans, and include determination of academic priorities and leadership. It is important for African…

Describes efforts to improve educational access and quality in the seven small nations that comprise the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. Asserts that curriculum reform and textbook development are hindered by intellectual and financial dependence on larger nations. Concludes that cooperation among the nations is one way to help solve…

Educational developments in Mexico, South America, and Southeast Asia are covered in five seminar papers. In addition, country educational profiles are presented on Mexico, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. In "International Students from Southeast Asia," John F. Brohm considers the following…

Discusses international cooperative efforts on educational improvement in small Pacific Ocean nations. Identifies problems in working with small nations with limited financial resources. Describes successful programs of teacher education and textbook development. (CFR)

Reports on the Third International Social Studies Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1994. Asserts that problems facing U.S. social studies, such as multiculturalism and individual rights, are not as important as development issues for African nations. (CFR)

Reviews changes in the educational systems of South American nations since the transition to democratic governments in the 1980s. Maintains that South American policymakers and citizens understand that continued economic and political progress must be based on schools and universities. Argues that low pay and status for teachers is a major barrier…

A seminar was held in Dakar (Senegal) to bring together African university presidents, vice-chancellors, rectors, and top-level administrators to discuss the following themes: policies and modalities of admissions, planning and allocation of resources, structures of postsecondary education, and new technologies and interuniversity cooperation.…

Describes the development of the educational system in the landlocked African nation of Botswana from its independence to the present. Contends that the nation's economic progress is tied closely to the educational system. Concludes that, although still facing many problems, Botswana has been able to create an effective educational system from the…