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HED4806 Assignment 3 2026 (Answer Guide) - International and
Comparative Education
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
QUESTION 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Comparison of Structural Functionalism and Modernisation Theories ......................... 2
a) Society (5 marks) ......................................................................................................................... 2
b) Education and Development (5 marks) ................................................................................. 2
1.2 Education as a “Panacea for All Social Ills” (10 marks) ..................................................... 3
1.3 Comparative and International Education .............................................................................. 3
a) Mechanisms for Evaluating Global Education Systems (4 marks) ................................ 4
b) Educational Aspects for Comparative Application (6 marks) ......................................... 4
QUESTION 2 [20] ........................................................................................................................5
2.1 Curriculum Development and the Objectives Model ...................................................5
2.2 Decolonised Curriculum in Postcolonial African Contexts (10 marks) .....................7
QUESTION 3 [30] ........................................................................................................................8
3.1 Comparative Analysis of Tanzanian and Turkish Educational Reforms ...................8
a) Comparison, Contrast and Critical Evaluation of Educational Objectives (15 marks)
..................................................................................................................................................8
b) Analysis and Reformulation of Imprecise Educational Objectives (15 marks) ........ 10
QUESTION 4 [20] ...................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Education for Self-Reliance (ESR) ............................................................................... 11
4.2 Restructuring of Higher Education in South Africa (10 marks) ................................ 13
References ................................................................................................................................ 15
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QUESTION 1
1.1 Comparison of Structural Functionalism and Modernisation Theories
a) Society (5 marks)
Structural functionalism views society as a stable and integrated system composed of
interrelated parts that work together to maintain social order and equilibrium. Each
institution such as education, family, and religion performs specific functions that
contribute to the overall stability of society. Social change is gradual and occurs when
adjustments are needed to maintain balance. This perspective emphasises consensus,
shared values, and social cohesion.
Modernisation theory, on the other hand, conceptualises society as evolving through
linear stages from traditional to modern forms. It assumes that all societies follow a
similar developmental path, typically modelled on Western industrialised nations.
Traditional societies are characterised by limited technological advancement and strong
adherence to customs, while modern societies are marked by industrialisation,
rationality, and economic growth. Unlike structural functionalism, modernisation theory
places stronger emphasis on transformation and progress rather than stability.
b) Education and Development (5 marks)
From a structural functionalist perspective, education plays a crucial role in maintaining
social order by socialising individuals into shared norms and values, and by allocating
roles through meritocratic processes. It contributes to societal stability by preparing
individuals for participation in the workforce and reinforcing social cohesion.
Modernisation theory assigns education a more transformative role. It views education
as a key driver of economic development and modernisation by equipping individuals
with skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for industrial and technological
advancement. Education is seen as a tool for fostering innovation, increasing
productivity, and facilitating the transition from traditional to modern economies. Thus,
HED4806 Assignment 3 2026 (Answer Guide) - International and
Comparative Education
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
QUESTION 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Comparison of Structural Functionalism and Modernisation Theories ......................... 2
a) Society (5 marks) ......................................................................................................................... 2
b) Education and Development (5 marks) ................................................................................. 2
1.2 Education as a “Panacea for All Social Ills” (10 marks) ..................................................... 3
1.3 Comparative and International Education .............................................................................. 3
a) Mechanisms for Evaluating Global Education Systems (4 marks) ................................ 4
b) Educational Aspects for Comparative Application (6 marks) ......................................... 4
QUESTION 2 [20] ........................................................................................................................5
2.1 Curriculum Development and the Objectives Model ...................................................5
2.2 Decolonised Curriculum in Postcolonial African Contexts (10 marks) .....................7
QUESTION 3 [30] ........................................................................................................................8
3.1 Comparative Analysis of Tanzanian and Turkish Educational Reforms ...................8
a) Comparison, Contrast and Critical Evaluation of Educational Objectives (15 marks)
..................................................................................................................................................8
b) Analysis and Reformulation of Imprecise Educational Objectives (15 marks) ........ 10
QUESTION 4 [20] ...................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Education for Self-Reliance (ESR) ............................................................................... 11
4.2 Restructuring of Higher Education in South Africa (10 marks) ................................ 13
References ................................................................................................................................ 15
, 2|Page
QUESTION 1
1.1 Comparison of Structural Functionalism and Modernisation Theories
a) Society (5 marks)
Structural functionalism views society as a stable and integrated system composed of
interrelated parts that work together to maintain social order and equilibrium. Each
institution such as education, family, and religion performs specific functions that
contribute to the overall stability of society. Social change is gradual and occurs when
adjustments are needed to maintain balance. This perspective emphasises consensus,
shared values, and social cohesion.
Modernisation theory, on the other hand, conceptualises society as evolving through
linear stages from traditional to modern forms. It assumes that all societies follow a
similar developmental path, typically modelled on Western industrialised nations.
Traditional societies are characterised by limited technological advancement and strong
adherence to customs, while modern societies are marked by industrialisation,
rationality, and economic growth. Unlike structural functionalism, modernisation theory
places stronger emphasis on transformation and progress rather than stability.
b) Education and Development (5 marks)
From a structural functionalist perspective, education plays a crucial role in maintaining
social order by socialising individuals into shared norms and values, and by allocating
roles through meritocratic processes. It contributes to societal stability by preparing
individuals for participation in the workforce and reinforcing social cohesion.
Modernisation theory assigns education a more transformative role. It views education
as a key driver of economic development and modernisation by equipping individuals
with skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for industrial and technological
advancement. Education is seen as a tool for fostering innovation, increasing
productivity, and facilitating the transition from traditional to modern economies. Thus,
