Comparative Education

Definitions Comparative study of educational theories and practices in various countries. Comparative education is a fully established academic field of study that examines education in one country (or group of countries) by using data and insights drawn from the practices and situation in another country, or countries. David N. Wilson defines comparative education as An intersection of the social sciences, education and cross-national study which attempts to use cross-national data to test propositions about the relationship between education and society and between teaching practices and learning outcomes Aims and Scope

Comparative education is the comparative study of educational theories and practices in various countries. Comparative education attempts to use cross-national data to test propositions about the relationship between education and society and between teaching practices and learning outcomes. Comparative education considers the implications of comparative studies for the formation and implementation of policies in education, social, national and international development. Comparative education invites contributions from associated disciplines in the fields of government, management, sociology, and technology and communications which affect educational research and policy decisions.

According to Harold J Noah (1985), and Dr.Farooq Joubish (2009), comparative education has four aims:

1. To describe educational systems, processes, or outcomes. 2. To assist in the development of educational institutions and practices. 3. To highlight the relationships between education and society. 4. To establish generalized statements about education that are valid in more than one country.

Comparative education is often incorrectly assumed to exclusively encompass studies that compare two or more different countries. In fact, since its early days researchers in this field have often eschewed such approaches, preferring rather to focus on comparisons within a single country over time.

Properly done, comparative education can deepen understanding of our own education and society; it can be of assistance to policy makers and administrators; and it can form a most valuable part of the education of teachers. Expressed another way, comparative education can help us understand better our own past; locate ourselves more exactly in the present; and discern a little more clearly what our educational future may be. Educationists can do accurate description is a kind of "mapping" of what other countries are doing, or not doing, planning, abandoning, or changing in their educational enterprises. It directs us to search out and try to understand forces and factors at work that transcend the boundaries of our own society. Exercises in mapping the experiences of other countries can feed directly into policy making and decision-taking. Collectively, comparative study is a most desirable way of approaching an understanding of education.