Comparative Education - Course Outline
Course Information
Course Title: Comparative Education
Level: Undergraduate – Year 2 or 3
Credit Hours: 3
Duration: One Semester (12–14 weeks)
Department: School of Education
Institution: Teaching University, Sierra Leone
Course Description
Comparative Education explores the similarities and differences in education systems,
policies, and practices across different countries and regions. This course introduces
students to the methods and approaches used in comparative analysis, helping them
understand how historical, cultural, political, and socio-economic factors influence
education. Special emphasis is placed on comparing global trends with the educational
realities of Sierra Leone and other African nations.
Course Goals and Objectives
Course Goals:
- To introduce students to the field of Comparative Education.
- To develop analytical skills for comparing education systems globally and regionally.
- To relate global educational practices to Sierra Leone’s educational challenges and
opportunities.
Specific Objectives:
- Define and explain the scope and purpose of Comparative Education.
- Identify and apply methods used in comparing education systems.
- Examine the impact of cultural, economic, and political contexts on education.
- Compare selected national education systems with that of Sierra Leone.
- Evaluate the influence of international organizations on national education policies.
- Reflect on the role of education in global development and reform initiatives.
Course Outline
Week 1: Introduction to Comparative Education: Meaning, Scope, and
Importance
Week 2: Historical Development of Comparative Education
Week 3: Approaches and Methods in Comparative Education (Descriptive,
Analytical, Case Study, Quantitative)
Week 4: Determinants of Education Systems: Political, Economic, Cultural, and
Social Factors
Week 5: Education Systems in Selected African Countries (e.g., Ghana, Kenya,
South Africa)
Week 6: Education in Developed Countries (e.g., USA, UK, Finland, Japan)
Week 7: Postcolonial and Indigenous Education Systems in Africa
Week 8: Comparative Study of Curriculum, Teacher Education, and Assessment
Week 9: Globalization and Education Reforms
Week 10: Role of International Organizations: UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank,
OECD
Week 11: Challenges in Education: Equity, Access, Quality, Financing
Week 12: Education for Sustainable Development and SDG 4
Week 13–14: Case Studies and Student Presentations
Teaching and Learning Methods
- Lectures and guest speakers
- Comparative case study analysis
- Group discussions and debates
- Field visits or virtual observations
- Reflective essays and presentations
Assessment Methods
- Class participation and attendance – 10%
- Comparative analysis report – 15%
- Mid-term exam – 20%
- Group project and presentation – 25%
- Final exam – 30%
Required and Recommended Texts
Global Context
- Bray, M., Adamson, B., & Mason, M. (2014). Comparative Education Research: Approaches
and Methods. Springer.
- Kubow, P. K., & Fossum, P. R. (2007). Comparative Education: Exploring Issues in
International Context. Pearson.
- Arnove, R. F., Torres, C. A., & Franz, S. (Eds.). (2012). Comparative Education: The Dialectic
of the Global and the Local. Rowman & Littlefield.
- Phillips, D., & Schweisfurth, M. (2014). Comparative and International Education: An
Introduction to Theory, Method, and Practice. Bloomsbury.
African and Sierra Leonean Context
- Seray-Wurie, N. (2007). Education in Sierra Leone: Present and Future. Njala University
Press.
- MBSSE Policy Documents, Government of Sierra Leone
- World Bank (2020). Sierra Leone Education Sector Analysis.
- UNESCO Reports on Education in West Africa
Additional Resources
- Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4): Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education
- Education data from UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
- Reports from Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission and WAEC