Describes rural primary and secondary schools in the Chinese countryside today, and the Chinese government's policy toward rural education, including universalized primary education and increasing numbers of vocational, technical, and agricultural schools. (MH)

Examines the impact of impending political transition to Chinese control on Hong Kong's higher education system, 1982-97. Focuses on conflicts among the incoming and outgoing sovereign powers and local university groups, and on three related colonial transition processes within the "one country, two systems" framework--forms of…

Traces the evolution of the concept of lifelong learning through various historical, social, and technological contexts. Lifelong learning was once an optional extra for older adults seeking self-improvement, but in the present worldwide context of continuous change, formal educational systems must recognize lifelong learning and "education for…

Argues that women's education should be a concern of government policymakers and suggests essential policy components: (1) schools that are accessible to women; (2) transportation, childcare, and other conditions that enable women to attend school; and (3) education that is linked to employment opportunities for women. (JHZ)

Relates the evolution of women's participation in the Greek educational system to educational policy measures and reforms during the last 20 years. Using census data and a survey of college applicants, compares achievement of male and female students emphasizing upper-secondary education at the crucial point of transfer to higher education. (JHZ)

Examines the policy context in which private education has emerged in post-Mao China. Uses three case studies of private schools/colleges to explore how intellectuals and educators in the Pearl River Delta (Guangdong province) have persevered to assert their academic independence, offer a new agenda for education, and redefine the private-public…

In Finland and England, national policy on subject- versus child-centered curriculum are moving in opposite directions. Comparative studies of four small elementary schools indicate that teachers' beliefs, values, and practices were powerful mediators of their interpretations and responses to imposed changes, and the ethos of very small schools…

Three case studies of changes in civics education, social studies, and liberal studies (emphasizing critical thinking about controversial issues) demonstrate that Hong Kong's political transition to Chinese sovereignty has significantly affected the intended curriculum but not the implemented curriculum, which has been strongly influenced by…

Examines effects of social and economic change on adult education and lifelong learning in postcommunist Russia. Discusses the history of Russian adult education, educational policy changes in the 1990s, establishment of the first Open University and a network of adult-education centers, and the conflict between market-oriented objectives and…

Shows links between Islamic doctrine and girls' education in Saudi Arabia providing examples of ways in which the Islamic attitude towards women and social life is applied to educational policy. Summarizes educational opportunities available for girls and women and notes milestones in the 26-year history of girls' education. (JHZ)

Taiwanese teachers enjoy higher occupational prestige and greater job satisfaction than teachers elsewhere. These outcomes are attributed to favorable government policies in teacher education and schooling over past decades. Cultural, historical, and political traditions have shaped the high social status of Taiwanese teachers. The effects of…

Examines the issue of equality of opportunity and social mobility in terms of differences between urban and rural young people in South-Western Nigeria, focusing particularly on those handicaps associated with female disadvantage. Reports results of interviews with 359 rural and urban female secondary school students. (JHZ)

Chinese educationists since 1949 have attempted to continue the Confucian educational tradition, emphasizing attributes which are compatible with Marxism. (MH)

Examines reasons preventing effective policymaking and genuine reform in a number of countries. Measures policy change in education against stages in coming to terms with a new issue: new knowledge, awareness, understanding, creation of new principles, implementation of new policy, change, and monitoring. (JHZ)

Discusses the attempt, during China's Cultural Revolution (1968-1976), to sever links between school performance, often dependent on social class, and admission to higher education and resulting upward mobility. Most students then felt it useless to study because success or failure at school work had no bearing on their future. (MH)