The driving theme for this research was cultural discontinuity as experienced in the American academic institutions. Cultural discontinuity is understood as a way in which the cultural practices and values of students' home culture affect the academic achievements of the students usually, resulting in low academic accomplishments. This phenomenon…

This collective article discusses the philosophy of modern higher education in Iran, which in this case, optimistically, its history dates back to the founding of "Dar al-fonun" (1851)--if we consider "Dar al-fonun" as a university. Otherwise, its origin can be traced back to the University of Tehran (established in 1934).…

This paper examines the distribution of students in tertiary education across six broad cognate areas of study. Using data collected by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics since 1999, it suggests that there is neither uniformity across countries, nor obvious signs of convergence toward uniformity, either globally or regionally. This empirical…

Problem Statement: To Iranian policy makers, higher education plays a key role in realizing the country's development visions. This has led to the mapping of visions of higher education in upstream resources. In this regard, curriculum is an essential tool for higher education to fulfil its functions optimally. However, despite its significance,…

The article aims to explore the attributes of quality and quality improvement including the process and specific actions associated with these attributes--that contribute enhancing quality in Iranian Virtual Higher Education (VHE) institutions. A total of 16 interviews were conducted with experts and key actors in Iranian virtual higher education.…

E-learning is advancing in Iran right now. The Iranian higher education system is applying electronic learning in order to conquer the limitations of the existing education system. These limitations include the growing number of applicants for entering universities, lack of classrooms for education, and universities' tensions in replying to these…

Because of the potentialities and influences of information communication technologies (ICTs) in facilitating research and instruction in higher education, students' learning products and processes can no longer be restricted to ink on paper. The problem, however, is that ICT use for instructional purposes by staff members at institutions of…

This article explores the situated meanings of literacy and lifelong learning in the lives of a selected group of first-generation immigrant Iranian women in Canadian institutions of higher education. Drawing from the participants' narratives, the results of this study suggest that, for these women, lifelong learning was greatly influenced by…

This article explores the motivational causes for learning and community service of students, faculty, and volunteer supporters of the Baha'i Institute of Higher Education (BIHE) in Iran. BIHE is a grassroots initiative launched by Baha'i academics, who--after having been expelled from public universities as a result of their allegiance to the…

Although the Shah of Iran should be admired for his efforts to use education to deal with formidable social challenges, his goal of producing a modern state in a single generation was unrealistic. Entrenched traditional values and unpredicted economic changes such as the need in 1977 to slow down Iran's rate of growth in the face of runaway…

This book presents 19 essays that examine the relative position of men and women in higher education in 17 countries. The focus is on women, particularly their changing position in higher education as students, faculty, and administrators. The book also provides a comparison of countries in an attempt to arrive at a low-level theoretical…

Traces the changes in consumer habits for tea and coffee in Iran from the early 15th century (introduction of the beverages) to the late 19th century. Consumption often was tied to regional differentiation and social stratification. Shifting trade routes, especially those involving Russia and England also produced changes. (MJP)

This paper examines the strong relationship between American universities and Iranian institutions of higher education from 1960 to 1980 and beyond. A review of comparative literature indicates that these relationships have had a lasting impact on Iranian education. The paper begins with a brief history of education in Persia beginning around 700…

Information on the background and viewpoints of Middle Eastern students who are studying in the United States is presented in revised papers from a 1978 seminar, "The Middle East: The Arab World and Iran." In the first section of the report, "General Background," James Cowan reviews social and cultural factors, as well as…

This review evaluates the writings and opinions of Americans and Iranians on relations and influences between institutions of higher education in Iran and the United States before and after the 1979 revolution. The review explores the arrival of modern western education in Iran, Egypt, and Turkey where a traditional education system had prevailed…