Reports major changes, trends, and dynamics in the development of science education in the Arab states. Emphasis is given to the activities of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALESCO). (SL)

Recent work in the economics of education provides some general presumptions, such as those in favour of investing in primary education and opposed to vocational education, but the problem area on which future research ought to focus is the relationship of schooling to the labour market. (Author/JB)

The pressures exerted by the economic, social and demographic realities of our time have brought to the fore the importance of the role of education in contemporary societies and the inadequacy of the existing educational institutions. In this theme issue, lifelong education is discussed as a solution to the needed changes in educational…

The impossibility of providing one standard, uniform syllabus and curriculum throughout the region and the difficulties of communication by curriculum planners are outlined. (JB)

For some time now Dutch universities have been involved in development problems and development cooperation. Describes the Program for University Projects of Development Cooperation, initiated in 1969, and its contribution to developing countries. (Author/RK)

Describes experimental village institutes whose goal was to develop and maintain the village, to help transform it into a modern village so that Turkey's pattern of development would not follow the European model of urbanization. (Author/IRT)

Depicts the U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO as an opportunity to initiate a new approach to international cooperation. Summarizes the reasons for U.S. withdrawal, inherent risks (isolationism, Soviet dominance, lack of a suitable replacement program), and steps in developing a new international educational organization more acceptable to U.S. values.…

Criticizes Zachariah's use of microlevel metaphors ("lumps of clay" and "growing plants") to explain major trends in theories of education and national development in developing countries. Discusses emergence of a neo-Marxist perspective on this area of comparative education. Suggests the need for a theoretical perspective…

Discusses the feasibility of educational development in a disadvantaged area of Sri Lanka, considering expectations which are unreasonably high. Concludes that ambitious goals should be operationalized at a practical level. Recommends using the human resources of eager children, supportive parents, and dedicated educators to improve education. (KS)

Analyzes various data on the South African schooling system since 1910. Finds that from an educational perspective, South Africa followed a modernization trajectory that, although it drew ever larger numbers of pupils into the schooling system, was partial, distorted, and fundamentally dysfunctional. The educational process was strongly affected…

This report seeks to address critical issues such as these by synthesising the evidence on innovations in more market-driven education systems. The analysis draws on data from over 20 OECD and non-OECD countries, including both developed nations that seek to move beyond established systems of state-run schools, and developing nations where formal…

A general description of educational development, innovation, and problems in Arab countries is provided. (DE)

Based on his experience in adult education in Ghana in the 1950's and a return from Europe to the University of Ghana at Legon in 1974, the author discusses the export of ideas and institutions from Britain to a colonial country and the difficulties which arose from their import into Ghana. (JT)

Recommendations for the reform of the administrative structure, curriculum and methods, and equality of Thailand's educational system are provided. This journal is available from the Unesco Regional Office for Education in Asia, Darakarn Building, 920 Sukhumvit Road, P.O. Box 1425, Bangkok, Thailand.