The article discusses the entry of standardised measurement into the educational systems of Sweden and Germany and the processes of shape-shifting associated with this process. In the first part of the article, we investigate how standardised measurement challenged existing ways of conceiving education in Sweden and Germany during the first half…

The history of England's attraction to the German education system is reviewed to exemplify four reasons for "borrowing" (copying) foreign models. Rather than simply copying it, England should use the German example to become aware of shortcomings in its own system and their potential solutions. (TD)