KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Title:
Course Outline
Ref.:
KU/ACAD/SOP/8.5-3
Date: 18th AUGUST 2022
FACE TO FACE LECTURES: START ON 6th SEPTEMBER, 2022
1. Title of the course
Unit code: EFN 402
Unit Title: Comparative Education
Programme: Regular
Academic year: 2022/2023
Campus: Main Campus
Lecture Hours: 35 hours
Blended Learning/Teaching
2. Purpose of the course
Comparative education is a discipline within the field of education. Its main purpose is to enlighten those
who study it on systems of education and issues/problems in education with a view to broadening their
perspective on educational problems and attempted solutions. The discipline seeks to improve the students’
understanding of theory and practice of education in the countries studied in relation to origins of
problems/issues and educational factors that influence its development. This would further enhance the
students’ knowledge on other systems of education in the world with a view to learning lessons from them.
Various issues that affect education in the world and Kenya in particular are addressed. This should enable
the student to understand that his/her country is not peculiar. Other countries also face similar problems and
solutions have been attempted in light of the understanding of these systems of education and problems
they face.
3. Expected Learning Outcomes of the Course
The main objective of this course is to facilitate a sharpened sense of critical and analytical thinking on
issues of education: to enable students to think and analyze educational issues objectively, making sound
and consistent decisions.
The expected learning outcomes of the course should be to introduce learners to:
i)
Foundations of comparative education as a distinct discipline in the study of education in terms
of its nature, historical development, methods and concepts.
ii)
Factors that help to determine and shape systems of education in the world making them to be
the way they are
iii)
Issues that often influence education policy, content, theory and practice, thus being able to
justify their activities as education.
4. Course Content
Course content should include all topics to be covered under the course.
Page 1 of 7
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Title:
Course Outline
Ref.:
KU/ACAD/SOP/8.5-3
Date: 18th AUGUST 2022
FACE TO FACE LECTURES: START ON 6th SEPTEMBER, 2022
(A) FOUNDATIONS OF COMPARATIVE EDUCATION: GENERAL THEORY
S/n
1
Topic
Introduction:
An overview of the course unit: definition, scope, aims/purpose and rationale of Comparative Education
2
Development of Comparative Education up to the end of 18th Century
 The phase of travellers’ tales
3
Development of Comparative Education during the 19th Century:
Contribution by the pioneers
 The phase of Selective education borrowing.
Development of Comparative Education since 1900:
 The phase of Concern for cultural context: Contribution by
Philosophers; Historians, etc.
 The phase of Social Science perspective
4
5.
6
7
8
The role of Institutions in the development of Comparative Education:
Learning Institutions, International Agencies, Comparative Education Societies.
Methodology in Comparative Education:
 Traditional Approaches

Social science Approaches
Modern/Convectional Approaches
(B) AREA STUDIES: COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF SYSTEMS OF EDUCATION
S/n
9
10
Topic
Introduction to comparative studies of Systems of Education:
Determinants of systems of Education
Sample systems in Europe: Britain
11
Sample systems in Europe: France
12
Sample Systems in Asia: China
13
Sample Systems in Asia: Japan
14
Sample Systems in America: USA
Page 2 of 7
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Title:
Ref.:
KU/ACAD/SOP/8.5-3
Date: 18th AUGUST 2022
Course Outline
FACE TO FACE LECTURES: START ON 6th SEPTEMBER, 2022
15
16
Sample Systems in America: Cuba
Sample systems in Africa: South Africa
17
18
Sample Systems in Africa: Cameroon
Sample systems in Africa: East Africa
(C)TOPICAL/THEMATIC STUDIES: COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF PROBLEMS/ISSUES IN
EDUCATION
S/n Topic
19
Education changes and Reforms in curriculum: A comparative perspective
20.
21
Minorities, Gender and Education in Africa: A comparative perspective
The education and Training of teachers: A comparative perspective
22
Higher Education in Africa: A comparative perspective
23
Brain drain and Education in Africa
24
Dependence and interdependence in education: A comparative perspective
LECTURERS AND VENUES
START DATE 06/09/2022 VENUE
LECTURER
FACE TO FACE ONLINE
CLASSES
CLASSES
GROUP
OML 3
PROF. JAMES OTIENDE/DR.
PIUS MURICHO
THURSDAY 5-7
B.ED (SCI)
FRIDAY
OML
4
DR. BERNARD WASILWA
THURSDAY 5-7
FRIDAY
OML 4
B.ED (SCI)
2-3 PM
DR. PETER GITONGA/DR. DAVID THURSDAY 9KARANJA
11AM
FRIDAY
OML 5
2-3 PM
DR.PETER
GATHARA/DR.ISABELLA
KAMERE
BED (ARTS)
12-1PM
THURSDAY 911AM
FRIDAY
BED (ARTS)
12-1PM
Page 3 of 7
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Title:
Ref.:
KU/ACAD/SOP/8.5-3
Date: 18th AUGUST 2022
Course Outline
FACE TO FACE LECTURES: START ON 6th SEPTEMBER, 2022
OML 7
DR. ANTONY NJOROGE/DR. THURSDAY 9MARY CHEPKEMOI
11AM
FRIDAY
BED (ARTS)
12-1PM
5. Mode of delivery
The mode of delivery includes lectures, discovery learning, problem-based learning, experiential learning,
group-based learning, independent studies and e-learning.
6. Instructional materials and/or equipment
 Power point Presentations
 Use of Smart Board
7. Course Assessment
CAT 1 – Group Term paper -30%
CAT 2 – Sit in – 30%
Examinations- 70%
8. Core reading materials for the course
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chaube S.P. & A. Chaube, (2006): Comparative Education, New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House
PVT LTD
Chege F., Oanda I., & Sifuna D.N. (ed), (2006), Themes in Foundations of Education. Nairobi,
Jomo Kenyatta Foundations
Eckstein, M.A. and Noah, H.J. (1960): Towards a Science of Comparative Education. London,
Macmillan.
Hall, W.D. (1990): Comparative Education: Contemporary Issues and Trends. London. Jessica
Kingsley
Broadfoot, P. (2000). Comparative education for the 21st century: retrospect and prospect.
Comparative Education, 36(3), 357-371.
Wolhuter C, I. Kamere and Karen Biraimah (Editors) (2013) A student textbook in Comparative
Education Platinum Press Potchefstroom
RECOMMENDED REFERENCE MATERIAL
9 Recommended reference materials
7.
8.
9.
10.
Altbach, P.G. Kelly, G. (eds), 1986): New Approaches to Comparative Education. London,
Macmillan.
Altbach, P.G. et.al. (eds), (1982): Comparative Education. New York
Bereday, G.Z.F and Lauwewrys, J. (eds), 1967: The World Yearbook of Education. London Evans
Brothers
Bereday, G.Z.F (1964): Comparative Methods in Education. New York, Macmilla.
Page 4 of 7
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Title:
Course Outline
Ref.:
KU/ACAD/SOP/8.5-3
Date: 18th AUGUST 2022
FACE TO FACE LECTURES: START ON 6th SEPTEMBER, 2022
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Cohen, R.M. (ed), (1984): International Handbook of Education Systems Chichester. John Wiley
& Sons
Eckstein, M.A. and Noah, H.J. (1960): Towards a Science of Comparative Education. London,
Macmillan.
Getao, F.N. (1996): International Education System: A Textbook in Comparative Education.
London, Macmillan
Hans, N. (1958): Comparative Education: A Study of Factors and Traditions. London, Routledge
& Kegan Paul
Hans, N. (2008) Prophets of Education Comparative Education New Delhi, Sarup & sons
Holmes, B. (1981) Comparative Education: Some Considerations of Method In Comparative
Education. London. Allen & Unwin
Holmes, b. and Van De Graff (1973): Relevant Methods in Comparative Education. Hamburg.
UNESCO
Holmes, B. (1965): Problems in Education: A Comparative Approach. London. Routledge &
Kegan Paul
Kubow P.K. & Fossum P.R. (2003) Comparative Education: Exploring Issues in International
Context, New jersey, Merrill Prentice Hall
Sodhi T.S. (1998) Textbook of Comparative Education, New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House PVT
LTD
10. Sample questions for tutorials
A:
Foundations of comparative education as a field of study: General Theory
1. Discuss the definition, scope, aims and the rationale of studying comparative education as a
discipline.
2. With specific examples, show the relevance of the study of comparative education to:
i. Your country
ii. Teacher education programmes in your country.
3. a)State the main phases in the development of comparative education;
b) Discuss the motivations and characteristic activities in each of the phases;
4. Discuss the relevance of motivations and activities in comparative education to the theory and
practice of education in your country today.
5. Discuss the role of learning institutions, international agencies and societies in the development of
comparative education as a discipline.
6. Comparative education has been characterized by debates with regard to its methodology. Discuss.
7. Discuss any one method of approach in comparative education and show how you can apply it.
Illustrate your answer with specific examples.
8. i. You have been posted to a school that is known to have problems of discipline among students
and poor performance at public examinations.
ii. Show how you would use aspects of methodology in of comparative education to contribute to
reform in the school performance.
B:
1.
Area Studies: Comparative study of systems of education
There are factors that help to determine and shape systems of education to be the way they are.
a)
Name six of these factors.
Page 5 of 7
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Title:
Course Outline
Ref.:
KU/ACAD/SOP/8.5-3
Date: 18th AUGUST 2022
FACE TO FACE LECTURES: START ON 6th SEPTEMBER, 2022
b)
2.
Explain how any two of these factors have shaped systems of education in various countries
of the world. Illustrate your answer with specific examples.
There are aspects in systems of education of other countries that could be a source of reference in
improvement of education in your country. Discuss this statement in the light of any one of the
following countries:
a)
Britain
b)
France
c)
U.S.A.
d)
China
e)
Japan
3.
4.
5.
C:
Discuss how the political philosophy of any ONE of the following countries has combined with
historical factors to influence its system of education.
a)
South Africa
b)
Cuba
c)
China
d)
Cameroon
Discuss what you consider as the key features of education in any one of the socialist countries
you have studied.
Show how your country can use this experience as a frame of reference in improvement of aspects
in its system of education.
a) Identify and state topic areas in systems of education which may be studied in a comparative
perspective.
b) Elaborate on the topic areas you have identified and stated in (a) above.
Topical/Thematic studies: comparative studies of issues or problems in education
1) There are factors that create problems or issues in education, name five of these factors.
Explain how the factors you have named have created problems or challenges in educational
process in your country.
Compare and contrast proposed solutions.
2) i. Discuss six factors that have contributed to disparities in educational participation in schools in
developing countries.
ii. Compare the nature of disparities in Africa and proposed solutions to the problems.
3) i. Discuss six factors which are creating problems in the development of higher education in Africa
today.
ii. Compare and contrast solutions offered to these problems by different countries in Africa.
4) Discuss five issues arising from language and education.
5) Discuss five issues arising from education and development.
6) i. “Brain drain is a problem, particularly in the Third World today”. Discuss.
ii. Compare the impact of solutions adopted by Third World countries to counteract brain drain.
7) Citing examples from countries of your own choice, Identify and discuss factors influencing the
education and training of teachers in Africa.
8) i. From a comparative perspective, discuss the gender issues in education in your country.
ii. Identify strategies can be employed to improve the gender issues you have identified above.
Page 6 of 7
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Title:
Course Outline
Ref.:
KU/ACAD/SOP/8.5-3
Date: 18th AUGUST 2022
FACE TO FACE LECTURES: START ON 6th SEPTEMBER, 2022
9) i. Define the term higher education
ii. Discuss the historical development of higher education in Africa
10) i. Identify and discuss five major challenges affecting higher education in Africa.
ii. Suggest five possible ways of enhancing performance in higher education in Africa.
11) i. Highlight five reasons why ICT should be integrated into education and learning
ii. Discuss five challenges in integrating ICT in education
12) Discuss how dependence has become a major obstacle to educational development in African
countries
13) Discuss issues arising from urbanization and education
14) Discuss the changes and reforms in Kenya’s Educational Curriculum.
15) Discuss how education can steer your country towards the achievement of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
Course Coordinator
Dr. Bernard Wasilwa
Page 7 of 7