Both in China and internationally, educators and policy makers claim that vocational education and training (VET) is essential for the sound economic development of a country and the physical and social well-being of its population. However, China looks back upon a century-long history of rejection when it comes to popularising VET, despite…

Historians of comparative education have ordinarily viewed the development of that field as having progressed in stages, from impressionistic traveller tales to systematic investigations, with each stage eclipsing the previous one in rigour and acceptability. In this essay, I show that this common "Darwinian" view is simplistic and distorts the…

Literature on globalisation claims that changed global patterns of production and industrial organisation have intensified international economic competition, prompting nations globally to restructure their education systems in an attempt to position themselves favourably in an increasingly competitive economic environment. This is an environment…

Argues that recent theories of development are flawed because (1) they assert that social justice and economic development are compatible educational aims and (2) they give insufficient attention to the political contexts of policy-making. Part of a theme issue on the World Bank Paper and Third World educational development. (SJL)

Analyzes specific inadequacies cited by the World Bank in its foreign aid procedures: inadequate exploration of cost-effectiveness options; inconsistent application of manpower analysis; and lack of exploratory stage in large-scale impact projects. Part of a theme issue on the World Bank and aid to Third World educational development. (Author/SJL)

Explores prescriptions offered for reforming education and the dilemmas they raise. Programs for democratizing education are reviewed with respect to expanding facilities, reforming admission policies, joining teaching and learning, offering experimental courses, and making structural changes. Results of programs for education about democracy and…

Past "elitist" development efforts modeled on Western academic education have failed to meet manpower needs but resist change due to popular preference for "modern" occupations. A new development strategy providing universal basic education and improved general living standards is needed. (Part of a theme issue on Third World educational…

Examined are the educational problems facing Nigeria, with its ethnic and religious diversity, since the civil war of 1967-70. The most promising project is the Universal Primary Education scheme under which primary education is free of charge and all primary-aged children will be in school by 1981. (KC)

The key to long-range economic development in the Arab Gulf region is an integrated, cooperative approach to technical education of indigenous manpower resources. This can best be accomplished through a visible and formal policy infrastructure designed to deliver vocational/technical education which is targeted to the specific needs of each state.…

Three perspectives can be found in the field of comparative education: those based on area studies, social science disciplines, and development/planning studies. These perspectives are not mutually exclusive and in fact complement each other. Anti-positivistic orientations have increased in recent years. Not being bound by rigid categories,…

Evaluates public education's contributions to Mexico's economic development from 1952-1982. Finds education's principal contribution has not been to improve human capital or government competence; education has instead been a vital source of political capital that has helped to maintain the political system as an "inclusionary…

Examines general education and vocational education as the main foci of post-compulsory education in the light of curriculum planning. Perspectives (academic, pragmatic, and polytechnical) on general education are shown to be rooted in more elaborately formulated theories than are perspectives (employment-based and school-based) on vocational…

The author suggests that observing the difficulties and failures of plans and programs for educational development over the last two decades makes it easy to become a sceptic about the fact that the age of innocence underestimates the extent and complexity of the knowledge base needed for sound choices in educational policy. (KC)

The author reacts to the World Bank's 1980 Education Sector Policy Paper, highlighting changes in emphasis from the Bank's 1974 report. Part of a theme issue on the World Bank Paper and on aid to educational development in the Third World. (SJL)

Using Columbia as a case study, the author argues that educational reform in Latin America is a method used by United States economic interests, along with the national elites, to maintain their dominant political and economic position. Part of a theme issue on Third World educational development. (Author/SJL)