This book reflects the field of comparative education as it has emerged in the 1990s. In a collection of 18 essays, leading scholars illuminate worldwide trends in critical issues that confront policymakers and practitioners in different national settings. Following the introduction by Robert F. Arnove, Philip G. Altbach, and Gail P. Kelly, part 1…

Reassessment of conventional development conceptions and practice has raised questions about relevance of education to expanded theories of economic development. Previously accepted concepts of development have focused on increased economic productivity, and have assumed a causal connection between the existence of schools and the pace of…

A new system of education designed to solve problems facing rural areas in developing countries is needed. Guidelines for the rural development functional literacy systems for Upper Volta, Tanzania, China, Cuba, and Thailand are described. (BP)

The article reviews the background, philosophy, and objectives of Peru's education system and outlines the innovations within the structure, management, and administration of the system. Emphasis has been placed on basic education at all age levels, developing higher education, and meeting rural needs. (MW)

In 1981, the Egyptian government sought assistance from the World Bank's International Developmental Agency for the Cairo Univesity-IDA Third Education Project. The World Bank loan was designated for training faculty leaders capable of modernizing instruction at Cairo University and for equipping the faculties of agriculture and medicine with…

This presentation explores international trends and needed changes in the education of persons with severe intellectual disabilities. One goal is to have all children attend school, no matter how severe their disabilities. Though low percentages of disabled children from developing countries attend school, some positive trends are identified, such…

The World Conference on Education for All may be the centerpiece of the international concern about structural adjustment and may put back onto the agenda concerns about the provision of good quality basic education. Although international support will not be suddenly withdrawn from traditional vocational training schemes as a result of the…

This paper describes two programs in Botswana and Zimbabwe in which manual work forms an integral part of the educational program. It analyzes their objectives and structure and discusses constraints against the background of socioeconomic change in the two countries. Differences are identified and discussed. The first two sections deal separately…

This paper deals with a case study of secondary curriculum diversification as a vocationalization strategy in Sierra Leone. It explores diversification issues from four crucial standpoints that are distinct but highly interrelated. First, diversification is dealt with as a policy that was adopted and actively pursued by Sierra Leone for over a…

An introductory guide to systems approach to educational problems, this book attempts to help educators identify the basic strengths and weaknesses of existing systems at their working level and to modify the systems to improve their effectiveness. The book offers an introduction to systems approach technique, recommendations on selection of media…

Education, according to various established criteria, can be classified as an industry, and in many African nations, it is the largest industry. Yet, when judged by standard measures of industrial success, such as whether the economic outcomes justify the amount spent, the answer is generally no. The thesis that most African nations are attempting…

The first working paper for UNESCO's Interdisciplinary Symposium on Life-long Education summarizes for participants some of the problems arising from the evolution of educational systems in the direction of lifelong education, some of the basic issues involved, and some of the requirements it meets and the consequences it may have. The areas…

Discusses the trend in the adult education system in Poland; includes the educational options available to adults, the adult education courses offered, and the functions of adult education. Also discusses the educational development and reform prospects for adapting the present system to meet the needs for continuing education. (EM)

To stimulate development in Nicaragua it was necessary for the Sandinistas to raise the education level of its populace. This was accomplished through a national literacy crusade which decreased the illiteracy rate by 37.1 per cent. The crusade showed the importance of incorporating popular organizations into the process of change. (VM)

Describes realities of "gutter education," the term applied to segregated education for blacks under apartheid in South Africa. Exposes efforts to control learning of students, including excessive use of rote learning methods and state-mandated content exams which promote the status quo. Notes lack of black students' cooperation with…