What insights and generalisations can be drawn from looking across the work of multiple governmental and non-governmental organisations aimed at supporting basic education in low and medium income countries? To address this question, this study analysed findings of nine evaluation meta-studies completed by international assistance organisations,…

The purpose of this article is to share information about the Costa Rican Marine Education Programme in relation to the quality criteria for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Schools. We found that the application of these criteria is feasible, not only to the organisation and management of schools that are looking to become ESD Schools,…

In 2004, Mainstreaming Environment and Sustainability in African Universities (MESA) was formally launched by UNEP, UNESCO and the Association of African Universities. This paper sets the stage for a critical analysis of ESD by reviewing historical perspectives of conservation in Africa as a means of appreciating the need for African universities…

Faced with accelerating poverty, the Malawi government has re-awakened its commitment to the development of human capacity and the role of development in this context. This paper explores the relationship between development and science and technology. It goes on to review the country's science and technology needs and how these justify taking…

Discusses how transnational corporations might contribute to various forms of education in developing countries and describes measures states should take to encourage their receiving benefits. (Author/RH)

The author reviews and critiques C. E. Beeby's four-stage model of change in the primary schooling of developing nations. Beeby's reply follows on pp439-44 and the author's response on pp445-49. A related article by Beeby appears on pp451-74. (Editor/SJL)

The author indicates the changes he would make to his book "The Quality of Education in Developing Countries" (1966) if he were rewriting it in 1980. For further discussions of his stage theory of change in the primary schooling in developing nations, see pp411-49 of this issue. (SJL)

Discusses the feasibility of educational development in a disadvantaged area of Sri Lanka, considering expectations which are unreasonably high. Concludes that ambitious goals should be operationalized at a practical level. Recommends using the human resources of eager children, supportive parents, and dedicated educators to improve education. (KS)

Analyzes various data on the South African schooling system since 1910. Finds that from an educational perspective, South Africa followed a modernization trajectory that, although it drew ever larger numbers of pupils into the schooling system, was partial, distorted, and fundamentally dysfunctional. The educational process was strongly affected…

In 1976 African Ministers of Education proposed "basic education," defined as minimum learning needs, as the best method for mass education. Participation and integration are key elements in this strategy. A learning-needs approach to curriculum planning should concentrate on practical skills; implementation requires nontraditional…

The author delineates five stages in the development of international cooperation in education from before World War II to the 1970s. (SJL)

In the 1950s and 1960s, donors of international aid attempted to impose a Western, technological form of schooling on the developing nations. In the 1970s, however, rediscovery of a pluralistic concept of intelligence has led donors toward a reappraisal and emphasis on more culture-specific educational interventions. (SJL)

The author delineates the scope of this special journal issue on the last 25 years in world education and summarizes the findings of various contributors on the issue's main themes: quantitative and qualitative changes in education and educational processes, education's contribution to human welfare, and international cooperation efforts. (SJL)

Summarizes findings of several inquiries into use of media conducted from 1974-1986, emphasizing media use in developing countries and practical lessons and experiences that have surfaced in worldwide rural development programs. New educational technology developments are discussed as potential contributors to formal and nonformal education. (MBR)

In relation to economic and social trends in Latin America over the last 25 years, the authors analyze expansion and change in primary, secondary, and higher education in this region. Tables of income, enrollment, literacy, drop-out, and occupational data for Latin American countries are appended. (SJL)