Comparative education research is complicated by the difficulty of identifying comparable units across contexts. This paper considers the advantages and limitations of a functional equivalence approach to comparative education. The functional equivalence approach allows us to meaningfully compare the operations that serve each function in the full…

The main hypothesis here is that the notion of economic and social development has been misconceived by most stakeholders in matters of development. This misconception is the main cause of underdevelopment in Kenya, which leads to all the reasons most authors and commentators have given to explain Kenya's situation. Therefore, it is only possible…

The author compares syllabus outlines for the 5-year grammar school course (Grades 8-12 equivalent) in West Africa, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and concludes that a national directive on history syllabus similar to that of Britain and the U.S. is needed including aims of history teaching in Nigeria. (JT)

Examines how the new social studies has found its way into the African social studies organization. Points out that the United States' new social studies was to be emphasized but fashioned in an African context based on the former's reform phases, especially the reflective inquiry tradition of reform. (TRS)

This guide for pilot study groups deals with curriculum planning, the writing of materials, and evaluation methods. Included are principles to be followed in the construction of a biology syllabus for age groups 11-17, a scheme for unified science for pupils aged 11-13, criteria for selection of course content, and an example outline of content…

This article aims to make a critical analysis of the African attempts at vocationalizing the school curriculum, looking at certain major issues with the views of one prominent critic, Philip Foster, in mind. (Author/CT)

The author examines the reading level of curriculum materials developed in Africa and discusses the findings which suggest that readability indices have a high potential of being useful in the formative stages of curriculum development. (Author/RM)

Discusses mathematics education in Africa as an example of the types of educational problems faced by developing nations: dramatic explosion in student population, lack of employment opportunity for graduates, and lack of teachers, materials, and other educational resources. Recommendations for improving mathematics education in developing nations…

Identifies characteristics of a viable social studies program for African nations, urging multidisciplinary and integrated approaches. Offers a cyclical framework for planning a curriculum which includes defining the problem, setting objectives, identifying methods of implementation, evaluation, and regeneration. (LS)

This training course module on curriculum development is divided into five units: (1) basic curriculum questions; (2) formulation of educational objectives; (3) translating national goals into educational programs; (4) determination of learning needs; and (5) the organization of areas of knowledge in the curriculum. For each unit the learning…

This report presents the proceedings of a 1978 international seminar held in Berlin which was convened by the German Foundation for International Development (Deutsche Stiftung fur internationale Entwicklung) in cooperation with Teheran's International Institute for Adult Literacy Methods. The designated purpose of the seminar was to examine…

The philosophy underlying the African Primary Science Program, according to the author, is that the essence of science is not merely the statement of principles; it involves the struggle to find out about the material world. This program sought to develop the intellectual alertness of the children, and improve their questioning, and problem…

Investigates social studies curriculum reform in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. Reports on each country contain a brief overview of the historical situation and current syllabus, and a discussion of the ongoing "Africanization" process. Concludes with a definition of "Africanization," its purpose, and…