In this paper, the authors draw on Bronfenbrenner's theory of human development in order to examine western influences upon Russian education. They argue that while some have embraced western ideas about education and schooling, reflecting both the influence of specific educational theorizing and that of broader globalizing trends, many teachers…

Discusses some areas of particular interest in the study of education in the South Pacific islands: educational development in small, recently decolonized nations; mismatch between policies of donors of international aid and the needs of developing nations; importance of understanding the context of education; and misapplication of educational…

A literature review on the origins, nature, and future of globalization and implications for education found little of relevance for low-income, postcolonial countries. Focusing on sub-Saharan Africa, a conceptual framework suggests how developing nations' educational policies are influenced by legacies of colonial education, the position of…

Describes principal characteristics of traditional education in island societies before Western contact, patterns of Western exploration and colonization, and origins of formal Western education in the region. Identifies critical contemporary educational issues: choice of educational delivery systems, establishing the locus of authority,…

Japanese education in the 1980s must strive to improve its quality. These challenges arise at the peak of the education system's quantitative expansion over the past two decades. Further effort must be directed toward diversification and internationalization, which should bring about a fundamental reorientation of Japanese schooling. (Author/SJL)

Examines the World Bank's 1995 policy statement, "Priorities and Strategies for Education: A World Bank Review." Reviews the bank's evolving policy of the past 35 years. Interprets the statement in light of recent structural adjustment strategies and end of the Cold War, which have sharpened bank attitudes about economic, social, and…

Profiles South Africa's system of 15 technikons, institutions providing 1- to 5-year programs in science, technology, engineering, business, and industry. Discusses growing enrollments, the shift away from science and technology fields, teacher qualifications, and the place of technikons in South Africa's postapartheid higher education system.…

In four rapidly developing east Asian nations, educational similarities include strong national curricula and highly competitive selective systems. However, the countries differ in educational funding sources; access to education, particularly tertiary education; extent of state control; relative emphasis on general and technical education; nature…

Compares Australia's and Britains' higher education "binary system," consisting of university and non-university (colleges of advanced education or polytechnics) sectors. Examines problems, politics, and processes involved when institutions attempt to bridge sectors. Reviews examples of cross-sectorial amalgamation in both countries and…

Explores connections between comparative and international studies and educational development in Papua New Guinea during the past 20 years. Argues that fears of "qualification escalation" and overproduction of educated school leavers, influence of foreign advisors, and ignoring of contextual factors have resulted in restricted secondary…

Pacific Island nations perceive their main educational needs and priorities to be expansion of primary education, locally relevant curriculum development, provision of adequate facilities and resources, and teacher education. Yet, driven by self-interest, international aid donors such as Australia and New Zealand concentrate their funding on…

Identifies similarities and differences in the French and British models of colonial education in sub-Saharan Africa. Draws on the statements of policymakers in official reports and government studies to highlight the "signposts" of colonial educational policy--phrases referring to policy goals and to moral claims and cultural…

During the early colonial period in Cyprus, British officials ignored Cyprus's distinctive characteristics (widespread Christianity and "European" character) and pursued the universal British colonial policy of education "adapted to the (perceived inferior) capabilities and conditions of clients." By 1930, however, political…

Traces the history of Cambodian education, 1945-95, including heavy investment in urban secondary and higher education after independence, Khmer Rouge destruction of the educational system, rapid educational expansion in the 1980s despite the lack of qualified teachers, and present international aid programs to train teachers. Discusses…

Introduces this theme issue on postapartheid changes in South African education. Discusses political factors and consensus building in educational policy making, needs to expand access to all levels of education and simultaneously improve quality, and the challenges of reconstructing higher education and dismantling a deliberately inequitable…