FULL NAMES:
STUDENT NUMBER:
MODULE CODE: HED4806
MODULE NAME: INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE EDUCATION
ASSIGNMENT: 01
YEAR MODULE 2025
, Question 1: Comparative and International education
1.1 Definitions of Key Concepts
1.1.1 Heterodoxy
Heterodoxy refers to the presence of ideas and beliefs that diverge from established or
dominant norms within a particular field. In the context of Comparative and International
Education (CIE), heterodoxy manifests in the variety of perspectives used to analyze
educational systems, policies, and practices. It challenges traditional paradigms by
introducing alternative theories that question mainstream educational ideologies (Seroto
et al., 2020:143). These perspectives are crucial in CIE as they allow for a more
inclusive and diversified analysis of global education trends, acknowledging that no
single model can universally address educational needs.
1.1.2 Heterogeneity
Heterogeneity signifies the presence of diverse elements within a system, and in CIE, it
underscores the variations in educational practices, policies, and outcomes across
different countries and regions (Seroto et al., 2020:144). Education systems are shaped
by unique historical, cultural, economic, and political factors, leading to varied
approaches to schooling, assessment, and pedagogy. Understanding heterogeneity
helps educators and policymakers tailor interventions that respect local contexts rather
than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
1.1.3 Global North
The Global North refers to highly industrialized and economically developed countries,
predominantly located in North America, Western Europe, and parts of Asia (Seroto et
al., 2020:9). These nations generally exercise considerable influence over global
educational policies and knowledge production, often setting the benchmarks for
academic excellence. However, the dominance of the Global North in shaping education
discourse has been criticized for marginalizing perspectives from less developed
regions, reinforcing inequalities in access to quality education.
STUDENT NUMBER:
MODULE CODE: HED4806
MODULE NAME: INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE EDUCATION
ASSIGNMENT: 01
YEAR MODULE 2025
, Question 1: Comparative and International education
1.1 Definitions of Key Concepts
1.1.1 Heterodoxy
Heterodoxy refers to the presence of ideas and beliefs that diverge from established or
dominant norms within a particular field. In the context of Comparative and International
Education (CIE), heterodoxy manifests in the variety of perspectives used to analyze
educational systems, policies, and practices. It challenges traditional paradigms by
introducing alternative theories that question mainstream educational ideologies (Seroto
et al., 2020:143). These perspectives are crucial in CIE as they allow for a more
inclusive and diversified analysis of global education trends, acknowledging that no
single model can universally address educational needs.
1.1.2 Heterogeneity
Heterogeneity signifies the presence of diverse elements within a system, and in CIE, it
underscores the variations in educational practices, policies, and outcomes across
different countries and regions (Seroto et al., 2020:144). Education systems are shaped
by unique historical, cultural, economic, and political factors, leading to varied
approaches to schooling, assessment, and pedagogy. Understanding heterogeneity
helps educators and policymakers tailor interventions that respect local contexts rather
than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
1.1.3 Global North
The Global North refers to highly industrialized and economically developed countries,
predominantly located in North America, Western Europe, and parts of Asia (Seroto et
al., 2020:9). These nations generally exercise considerable influence over global
educational policies and knowledge production, often setting the benchmarks for
academic excellence. However, the dominance of the Global North in shaping education
discourse has been criticized for marginalizing perspectives from less developed
regions, reinforcing inequalities in access to quality education.
