This book examines the transition from higher education to the labor market in 10 countries. Although the individual papers do not follow a rigid standard format, they all consider the following issues: (1) how the labor market for graduates is organized; (2) how vocational orientation is achieved in degree courses in individual countries; and (3)…

A review of past trends in adult literacy in developing countries shows that the following factors have been crucial to achieving large-scale literacy results: the state as the prime mover; political will or national commitment; a favorable development context; continuous mobilization activities; a broad conception of literacy; broad collaborative…

This is a report on the quality review of distance learning in a sample of five countries. The report was commissioned by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation's (CHEA's) International Commission in order to understand better the nature of existing regulatory arrangements in the context of growth in electronically supported learning and…

This report is a case study of the shortage of science and mathematics teachers in Nigeria. The paper begins with a discussion of the Nigerian educational system, including the place of science and mathematics in the school system, and the shortage of science and mathematics teachers. Programs undertaken to increase the number of science and…

Three issues are of particular interest to adult educators: literacy, the ability to use technology, and the ability to access information. These three areas are significant in terms of individual self-fulfillment, human resource development, and individual and societal development at both national and international levels. One questions whether,…

The advent of the "information age," and the electronic communication technologies that are part of it, was supposed to replace print. However, this has not been the case, as the amount of print materials being produced and read has increased along with the electronic equipment. Far from replacing established media and communication…

The Cuban Ministry of Education relates difficulty in presenting a valid report on education in Cuba from 1974-76 due to major changes instituted in 1975 in the first year of a five-year educational improvement plan. Information presented in the document is the most up to date available, however, and does reflect Cuba's objective to structure…

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), also known as the World Bank, has actively assisted in the development and improvement of educational facilities and systems in developing countries. A two-phase study was undertaken to improve the evaluation of World Bank projects. This report is an outgrowth of the first phase…

Ideological arguments are made for open learning, economic ones for distance education. If it can produce similar results to those of conventional education at a lower cost, then distance education has a powerful appeal. With increasing demand for access to educational opportunities at all levels, and often decreasing budgets in real terms for…

Considers the problematic nature of the role of the state in developing nations' education, specifically Latin American education. Analyzes several major challenges: (1) reconciling bureaucratic efficiency with educational equity; (2) allocating dwindling resources to ensure both basic adult education and higher education capable of producing…

Considers how computers may affect lifelong learning especially in developing nations. Suggests computers may qualitatively change education and liberate existing systems from centralization and curriculum- and examination-driven environments. Expresses concern that modernization may widen the information gap between developed and developing…

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) met with West African Commonwealth countries to furnish participants with information about the reasons for establishment of COL, its objectives, functions, and structure. Participants for the meeting came from The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. Opening sessions focused on COL and distance education as the…

Since 1979, education has had a key role in promoting social change in Nicaragua. Toward that end, the education system is expected to contribute to: (1) the formation of a "new person," a more critically conscious and participatory citizen who is motivated by collective goals; and (2) the transmission of the skills and knowledge to…

Four main levels comprise the educational ladder in Kuwait: kindergarten, primary, intermediate, and secondary. Ministry of Education plans to improve education on these levels and in the institutes which offer two years of specialized training beyond secondary school are outlined in the document. The principles of separate but equal education for…

The first in a series of studies of lifelong learning, this paper discusses educational activities undertaken in Portugal after the fall of the dictatorship in 1974 and through 1976. Intended for educational planners and for those working in popular education, the study emphasizes original strategies and experiments, particulary those encouraging…