This book is the final outcome of a research project begun in 1981 by the International Institute for Educational Planning under the title, "Planning and Management of Formal and Nonformal Education within Integrated Rural Development Projects." Part 1 reports the concluding 1984 Nepal seminar to pinpoint the real role of education as a…

Causes of cognitive underdevelopment in Zulu children and the cognitive functions necessary for efficient school learning are outlined. To assess potential for learning and to remediate cognitive underfunctioning, 20 secondary students analyzed, organized, and reproduced a complex geometric figure. Positive effects were evident following specific…

Three broad challenges to Thailand's educational system (participation, effectiveness, and resources) have deep, far- reaching consequences for the teaching profession. Major problems include teacher shortages in critical areas; low salaries; and recruitment, qualification, and professional-development inadequacies. Teacher/leadership programs are…

Interactive radio instruction has gained attention as a low-cost means of improving the academic achievement of primary school students. The Radio Mathematics Project in Nicaragua and subsequent programs developed by the Learning Technologies for Basic Education (LearnTech) Project illustrate the evolution such programs have undergone as…

Secondary education in Tanzania has a formal diversified curriculum in agricultural, commercial, technical, and domestic science that is reinforced outside of school hours by a set of powerful pressures on schools to engage in productive work. In many secondary schools there are two different, simultaneous traditions of diversification. The first…

Educational reform in developing countries, specifically in Saudi Arabia, will be facilitated if certain strategies are employed when implementing educational change. Problems which restrict reform tend to be a culture which opposes change, staffing, finances, a shortage of relevant learning materials, excessive centralization of authority,…

This essay deals with a series of methodological issues involved in assessing training priorities in developing countries. It is argued that the present methods of arriving at these priorities leave much to be desired, and a number of suggestions are made that might lead to more informed policy decisions on education and training. (CT)

While the overall picture for gender equality is still gloomy, recent changes in family institutions in some countries provide an enlightening example. Developing countries are starting to reform cultural barriers to gender equality that limit their growth prospects. Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and some states of India are some examples of countries…

A critical need remains for a practical and low-cost methodology to bridge the gap between methodologies for assessment of literacy at the national survey level. At the program level, it must be able to be used effectively by those in developing countries with limited funds but major literacy problems. Etic (external, quantifiable,…

This report details findings of a study undertaken during 1993-1995 in the Ghanzi District of Botswana to ascertain the progress of the San children in primary school, comparing children who attended preschool to those who did not. The report also describes the Bokamoso Preschool Programme, started in 1986. Data for the study were collected…

Examines ways Chinese universities are evolving due to an emerging free market economy. Identifies organizational trends associated with societal transformation. Trends discussed include institutional consolidation for improved revenue generation, competition for admission in new disciplines, and faculty professionalization and demand for…

Equivalency programmes (EPs) refers to alternative education programmes that are equivalent to the formal education system in terms of curriculum and certification, policy support mechanisms, mode of delivery, staff training, and other support activities such as monitoring, evaluation and assessment. The development of EPs is potentially an…

Worldwide educational indicators are presented in tables and graphs by region. The indicators are selected to highlight the International Literacy Year and Education for All, two programs of particular importance to the United Nations. Data are presented for the school years beginning in 1970, 1975, 1980, and select years up to 1987. The terms…

The Maldives experience of constructing community schools is examined to show how other small countries may overcome the special problems faced in designing and building schools. External assistance for design, and training of national personnel qualified neither as architects or engineers, was used to make up for the lack of a permanent unit for…

Agency for International Development (AID) education and training assistance to developing countries is herein reviewed by the General Accounting Office (GAO), with particular attention paid to the changes in emphasis since the 1973 New Directions Mandate by Congress and to the nature of recurring problems in improving education of the poor. One…