ICH4801
Assignment 3
DUE 22 July 2024
, Question 1 [40 marks]
Questions 1(a) (20 marks) and 1(b) (20 marks)
1(a) Comparative education (chapter 8 of
the prescribed book)
1. Define “comparative education”. (4)
2. Discuss any four phases of the historical evolution of the field
of comparative and international education. (8)
3. Discuss four areas that show the
value and the purpose of comparative education and its
contribution to education as a whole. (8) [20]
1. Define “comparative education”. (4)
Comparative education is a field of study that examines educational systems, processes, and
outcomes in different countries to understand their similarities and differences. It involves
analyzing educational practices, policies, and issues globally to draw insights that can inform
and improve educational theories and practices. The goal is to develop a deeper
understanding of how cultural, social, economic, and political contexts influence education.
2. Discuss any four phases of the historical evolution of the field of comparative and internationa
education. (8)
1) Descriptive Phase (Early 19th Century):This initial phase focused on describing educational
systems in various countries. Scholars would document and compare educational practices,
structures, and curricula without deep analysis.
Key Figures: Early figures like Marc-Antoine Jullien de Paris are notable for their systematic
descriptions of educational systems.
2) Analytical Phase (Late 19th to Early 20th Century):The field moved beyond mere description t
analyzing the causes and effects of different educational systems. This phase involved more
systematic and scientific methods.
Key Figures: Scholars like Michael Sadler emphasized understanding the cultural context of
education and its impacts.
3) Scientific Phase (Mid-20th Century):Emphasizing empirical research, this phase introduced
quantitative methods and statistical analyses to compare educational systems. The goal was
develop generalizable theories about education.
Key Figures: George Bereday and Brian Holmes were instrumental in advancing comparative
education as a scientific discipline.
4) Globalization Phase (Late 20th Century to Present): The focus shifted to understanding the
global influences on education, such as globalization, international organizations, and cross-
border educational policies. There is an increased emphasis on addressing global educationa
challenges and promoting equity.
Key Trends: Studies now often address issues like global education standards, international
assessments (e.g., PISA), and the impact of global policy frameworks.
,3. Discuss four areas that show the value and the purpose of comparative education and its
contribution to education as a whole. (8)
Policy Development:
Value: Comparative education provides valuable insights into successful educational policies an
practices from around the world. Policymakers can adapt and implement these strategies to
improve their own educational systems.
Contribution: It contributes to more informed decision-making and policy reforms that are
evidence-based and contextually relevant.
Cultural Understanding:
Value: By examining education systems in different cultural contexts, comparative education
fosters a deeper understanding of how culture shapes educational practices and learner
outcomes.
Contribution: This knowledge helps educators develop culturally responsive teaching methods
and curricula that respect and integrate diverse cultural perspectives.
Assignment 3
DUE 22 July 2024
, Question 1 [40 marks]
Questions 1(a) (20 marks) and 1(b) (20 marks)
1(a) Comparative education (chapter 8 of
the prescribed book)
1. Define “comparative education”. (4)
2. Discuss any four phases of the historical evolution of the field
of comparative and international education. (8)
3. Discuss four areas that show the
value and the purpose of comparative education and its
contribution to education as a whole. (8) [20]
1. Define “comparative education”. (4)
Comparative education is a field of study that examines educational systems, processes, and
outcomes in different countries to understand their similarities and differences. It involves
analyzing educational practices, policies, and issues globally to draw insights that can inform
and improve educational theories and practices. The goal is to develop a deeper
understanding of how cultural, social, economic, and political contexts influence education.
2. Discuss any four phases of the historical evolution of the field of comparative and internationa
education. (8)
1) Descriptive Phase (Early 19th Century):This initial phase focused on describing educational
systems in various countries. Scholars would document and compare educational practices,
structures, and curricula without deep analysis.
Key Figures: Early figures like Marc-Antoine Jullien de Paris are notable for their systematic
descriptions of educational systems.
2) Analytical Phase (Late 19th to Early 20th Century):The field moved beyond mere description t
analyzing the causes and effects of different educational systems. This phase involved more
systematic and scientific methods.
Key Figures: Scholars like Michael Sadler emphasized understanding the cultural context of
education and its impacts.
3) Scientific Phase (Mid-20th Century):Emphasizing empirical research, this phase introduced
quantitative methods and statistical analyses to compare educational systems. The goal was
develop generalizable theories about education.
Key Figures: George Bereday and Brian Holmes were instrumental in advancing comparative
education as a scientific discipline.
4) Globalization Phase (Late 20th Century to Present): The focus shifted to understanding the
global influences on education, such as globalization, international organizations, and cross-
border educational policies. There is an increased emphasis on addressing global educationa
challenges and promoting equity.
Key Trends: Studies now often address issues like global education standards, international
assessments (e.g., PISA), and the impact of global policy frameworks.
,3. Discuss four areas that show the value and the purpose of comparative education and its
contribution to education as a whole. (8)
Policy Development:
Value: Comparative education provides valuable insights into successful educational policies an
practices from around the world. Policymakers can adapt and implement these strategies to
improve their own educational systems.
Contribution: It contributes to more informed decision-making and policy reforms that are
evidence-based and contextually relevant.
Cultural Understanding:
Value: By examining education systems in different cultural contexts, comparative education
fosters a deeper understanding of how culture shapes educational practices and learner
outcomes.
Contribution: This knowledge helps educators develop culturally responsive teaching methods
and curricula that respect and integrate diverse cultural perspectives.
