Provides editorial perspective on the selection of papers chosen for publication in the March 1988 IJBD. Emphasizes the multi-cultural mix of the papers which deal with a range of issues related to human development and the importance of rigorous life-span perspective regarding developmental disabilities. (RWB)

This brief paper considers the historical development of comparative education and consequent problems. It is argues that the origin of comparative education was found in the possibility of being both national and supranational in one's orientation to the study of education. This has led to confusion in what is being studied and the concepts used…

Differences in cognitive structure are approached through consideration of cartesian and non-cartesian knowing. Figuration and configuration are described as two layers of cartesian knowing leading to the third layer, the cognitive structure. Knowing in general is then discussed, with comments on learning in another culture, Botswana. (MNS)

McCauley and Colberg described a theory of transportability and provided data to demonstrate the feasibility of their approach. It is argued that the transportability notion resembles earlier cross cultural work and does not add new insights into cross cultural comparison. Their statistical checks do not preclude the possibility of bias.…

Noting the recent growing concern for the theoretical development of intercultural communication, this paper reviews various interpretive schools of thought that have used qualitative research methods in either intracultural or intercultural communication contexts. Following a brief discussion of the differences between qualitative and…

Argues that developmental psychology remains parochial in spite of increased cross-cultural developmental research. Reviews research and theories dealing with cognitive development in childhood and adolescence. Contributions outside Piagetian and Vygotskian traditions are outlined along with suggestions for further research on emotional…

Nisan responds to Turiel, Nucci, and Smetana's (1988) critique by stating that it merely serves to emphasize the difficulty involved in distinguishing between the moral and the conventional without reference to the cultural meaning of the act. (PCB)

This critique of Nisan's (1987) study of morality and convention addresses methodological considerations for cross-cultural research on children's moral and conventional concepts. (PCB)

Examines the ability of historical, comparative, educational research to interpret adequately the spread of modern schooling in developing nations. Explores the example of the 1871 Fanti-Constitution in what is now Ghana, which provided for a modern, universal school system. Urges recognition of non-European contributions to contemporary…

In preparation for the Seventh Regional Consultation Meeting on the Asian Programme of Educational Innovation for Development (APEID) in June 1981, some of the eminent educators in Asia and the Pacific were invited by the Asian Centre of Educational Innovation for Development (ACEID) to present their thoughts on APEID. This document contains…

The successful educational and industrial systems in Japan are related to the social and historical condition of the country. A society that receives ideas and technology of education from other societies must go through the process of adoption, assimilation, and self-transformation. Students of society do not fully recognize the strengths and…

This paper proposes a methodology for research on Australian multi-cultural education based on the idea that patterns of domination and subordination in the cross-cultural colonial context of the Third World countries can be examined to establish a comparative concept of cultural accommodation. The paper maintains that an examination of the…

Exploring ways in which a successful worldwide civic culture can be achieved, this book stresses the need to stay rooted in local communities and traditions while cooperating with and respecting those whose lives follow other patterns. The first part of the book deals with the current state of worldwide civic culture, setting a context within…

Most Americans continue to place great faith in the social capacity of the public school system and to displace onto the schools responsibility to resolve some of our most urgent social issues. Israel was selected for observation in order to view American "educational messianism" from a distance. Cultural displacement as practiced in the…

Contends that appropriate day care for infants and toddlers is still an unresolved issue. Examines international research and identifies preconditions for transferring good practices to Germany. Argues for child care that allows more individual attention to the child. (CFR)