Comparative Studies in Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Comparative education has evolved from localized settings into international or global views. History, politics, sociology, and literature all become involved when comparisons of education are discussed. Almost all forms of research use comparisons in their framework. It was found that many of the comparisons have been too narrow in scope with information developed from single-level approaches. Research has moved from single-level approach into multilevel, at a slower pace and with resistance from the research and education communities. There is a need for multilevel comparisons giving researchers a broader approach than single-level comparisons. There are distinct benefits resulting from utilization of this more comprehensive comparison approach. Information gained from cross-national comparisons by specialists in fields other than education provides data showing diversity among various levels. Three objectives could be met to benefit students: (1) increased access in poor and minority areas to achieve universal education; (2) enhanced quality in all levels of education; and (3) improved efficiency in education by improvement of education management at multiple levels. Contains 19 references. (Author/BT)