In a fast-changing and highly inequitable world, lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important, not only as a key organising principle for all forms of education and learning but also as an absolute necessity for everyone. It is particularly important for disadvantaged individuals and groups who have been excluded from or failed to acquire…

In this article, the late Jarl Bengtsson briefly traces the evolution of the concept of lifelong learning within the member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He points out that on the one hand lifelong learning is accepted, in policy terms, by all OECD countries and many other countries, but on the other…

Offers a short review of the major characteristics and limitations of international educational research institutions. One of its major concerns is to contrast the role of international vis a vis national institutions in educational research. (Editor/RK)

The focus of this paper is on the research/policy linkage, within the complex educational administrative structure and pluralistic informal power structure which characterize Thai research. Thailand has experienced some success in building analytical educational research capacity and ensuring its utilization. Lessons to be learned from this…

In 1971, the specialized schools serving 16-to-19-year-olds were consolidated into integrated upper secondary schools. This report describes the rationale and course structure of the new type of school and its impact on vocational education. Conclusions about comprehensive vs specialized schools are drawn. (SJL)

Three forms of research activity are defined: free, policy-oriented, and development. In the United Kingdom, structures for each have developed rapidly in the past 20 years. Present weaknesses are lack of collaboration between research institutions and the small scale of financial support. (Author/SJL)

The author summarizes some of the spoken language policies of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China of Taiwan, including some statistics on dialect speakers in the population, methods for promoting Mandarin in the schools, and attitudes toward the maintenance of minority languages. (SJL)

In 1976, the Columbian Government set up PAN to combat the country's serious malnutrition through coordination of the public and private production, distribution, health, sanitation, and education sectors. After describing PAN, this report considers its problems and approaches relating to nutrition education for both PAN professionals and its…

The Nigerian Government is attempting to create a national identity and eliminate inefficient indigenous educational practices. The author argues that quick implementation of this plan to regulate indigenous private education and craft apprenticeships could aggravate the employment situation and restrict the ability of localities to meet their own…

Given the constraints on educational development, the author sees the introduction of educational technology (broadly defined) as the only course for improving conditions. He describes a practical example in the Hungarian National Center for Educational Technology, which has broad functions in research and development, dissemination, and teacher…

The author explains the role and financing of educational research and development (R&D) in Sweden, as it operates under the central education authority, the National Board of Education. She discusses a government report on R&D effects and considers the potential impact on research of current trends toward decentralization in education.…

The Primary Education Improvement Project was launched in Nigeria in 1971. It seeks to upgrade educational standards through the provision of new instructional materials and mobile teacher trainers. This report describes project background, strategies, problems, outcomes, and future prospects. (SJL)

This report concerns public bilingual elementary schools for rural Indian (non-Spanish-speaking) children in Mexico. Materials production efforts as well as completed and projected research projects are described. (SJL)

After explaining the anti-science impact of the "Gang of Four," the author reports on the National Science Policy Conference held in Peking in March, 1978. In summarizing major speeches and the proposed eight-year development plan, he emphasizes the renewed feelings of liberalism and confidence among Chinese scientists. (SJL)

Australian education was strictly monolingual until 1970 when the implementation of the Commonwealth Child Migrant Education Program provided special English instruction for immigrant students. Immigrants' languages are now offered as school subjects, but the growing awareness of multiculturalism has not affected English as the language of school…