Competence-based approaches (CBAs) in education have become an internationally important educational policy concept in recent decades. However, a substantial body of research has suggested that in order to understand and explain the evolution of CBAs, there is a need to analyse curriculum-making as a complex and multi-layered practice. To…

Kosovo introduced two major curriculum reforms over the past 20 years -- in 2001 and 2011 -- each aiming to bring education closer to international trends. Simultaneously, Kosovo underwent major political, social, and cultural changes after the war in 1999, and the declaration of independence in 2008. This article relies on document analysis and…

This article introduces the notion of "justice-sensitive education"--derived from the ideals and practices of transitional justice (TJ) in countries emerging from conflict. It describes three mechanisms for this: structural reforms (relating to inequity and division); curriculum change (the treatment of history, human rights and…

This paper is a response to David Limond's exposition, "[An] historical culture ... rapidly, universally, and thoroughly restored"? British influence on Irish education since 1922, which appeared in "Comparative Education", Vol. 46, No. 4, November 2010, pp. 449-462. Limond's overall thesis is that "a post-colonial…

This paper examines the outstanding performance of Shanghai, China on PISA 2009 and its effects on other national systems and within the global education policy field. The OECD's PISA is helping to create this field by constituting the globe as a commensurate space of school system performance. The effects of Shanghai's success are considered in…

In post-apartheid South Africa, a lack of adequate resources and political expertise obstructed implementation of a new outcomes-based curriculum. A policy review committee subsequently made sweeping recommendations for implementation. The experience highlights the need to determine the role of education and what schools can realistically…

Article examines the application of educational reform in West Germany and the expansion of new consciousness in their educational structure. (Author/RK)

Discussed the position of literature in the Soviet school and its importance in Russian life. (Author/RK)

Ethnic politics, international influences and a quest for truth may be the unlikely combination that forced Canadian schooling to soften its British orientation for an emphasis upon social education required for a highly diversified society. Traces these influences from the latter part of the nineteenth century to the present. (Author/RK)

Examines recent attempts to restructure French secondary schooling in order to provide equal opportunity and more relevant curriculum. Discusses some impediments to these reforms, particularly the opposition of teachers and their unions. (SJL)

Reviews research related to textbook development and provision in developing nations. Stresses the importance of increased access to textbooks as a cost-effective means for improving educational quality. Examines four policy options for textbook development in developing countries: adoption, adaptation, government publication, and international…

Common issues in a review of seven books related to changes in higher education were: expansions, growth, and diversity in 1960s and 1970s; convergence between technological and general academic institutions in the 1970s; institutional autonomy and the role of the state in the 1980s; and governmental pressure to conform to a commercial model of…

Discusses how quantitative expansion of education in developing countries has not been accompanied by sufficient emphasis on educational quality. Considers relationships between education and national development, impact of growth on quality, importance of historical experience, influence of selection and allocation systems, and experience with…

Compares educational policy changes in such areas as language of instruction and curriculum during postcolonial transition in Singapore during the 1960s and in Hong Kong during the 1990s. Discusses the extent to which the regional autonomy promised to Hong Kong by China is possible. Contains 32 references. (SV)

Draws on official documents and teaching materials to trace the growth of Putonghua (the official language of China) in school curricula in Hong Kong (where Hong Kong Cantonese and English predominate). Although promoting Putonghua is logical, tensions arise from the already heavy bias toward language subjects in school curricula and shortage of…