Education as a Global Concern

Description

Examine the educational situations of a range of human groups that are marginalized or excluded from mainstream provision and also considers the idea that 'humane' means 'appropriate'. This book offers an engaging discussion about the functions of education, drawing on a range of educational situations.

Colin Brock is Senior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, UK, and Adjunct Professor of Education at the University of Malaya, Malaysia.

'Colin Brock is one of Britain's most experienced and respected academics in the field of international education for development. In his new book, Education as a Global Concern, he gives us a typically lively and well-informed call to action. I recommend it to both teachers and to students.' W. John Morgan, UNESCO Chair of the Political Economy of Education, University of Nottingham, UK 'Education as a Global Concern is a timely and valuable contribution to the world of comparative and international education. The global perspectives it encourages the reader to reflect on, and the discourse on education as a humanitarian response, in which it is argued that education is far more than formal schooling or limited to the narrow context of disasters, should make it essential reading for policy makers as well as students of education or social science disciplines. By drawing on numerous examples from across the globe the author has expertly shown how political, historical, social and geographical dimensions have contributed to the current distorted state of education. Colin Brock argues for a new approach based on partnerships and the local community including non formal and informal learning as well as formal learning as the way forward.' Keith Borien, Chief Executive Officer of the Borien Education Foundation for Southern Africa (BEFSA), South Africa 'This is a timely book that explores the marginalised, dispossessed and disadvantaged groups across the world who are neglected by the present educational arrangements. Colin Brock challenges the assumption that there is a clear correlation between educational investment and economic and social development, criticises the hold that governments and powerful groups have over what is taught in the formal sector of education, and argues that most children and adults throughout the world, what he calls he 'marginalised majority', are excluded from any formal education. As a result not only is this a global concern but it is a scandal that should be addressed. There should be a humanitarian response to this which finds ways to embrace formal, non-formal and informal education in every locality. Full of interesting and informative facts, with some hard-hitting observations and some eminently sensible recommendations, this is a thought-provoking and immensely readable book that deserves to be widely read.' Keith Watson, Emeritus Professor of Comparative and International Education, University of Reading, UK 'This book will discomfort those who believe that schooling is the only and best way to produce a just and democratic society. It will frustrate those seeking quick and easy solutions to our current difficulties. It will annoy those who think that answers are easy and easily applied. Finally, the scope of the argument may put off those accustomed to precise definitions and use of powerful statistics. Brock offers no equations, only an interlocking set of concerns and signposts pointing toward possible answers. This book is a challenge to join in the search for a new understanding.' Noel McGinn, Emeritus Professor of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Emeritus Institute Fellow, Institute of International Development, Harvard University, USA 'A 'must read' for all those involved in education, especially students of education, practitioners, activists and policy makers as well as academics. It distils education's epistemological origins mapping its odyssey from its roots to the present day in an interesting and informative fashion. Brock cites many seminal texts which have shaped, and often forged, the course of education...It is as if he catches up the globe, spins it around metaphorically, and describes with ease education's origins and impact on every corner of the globe. But in doing so, Brock also makes us think through our assumptions about education, its purposes and effects.' Rosarii Griffin, Director of the Centre for Global Development through Education (CGDE), Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Ireland 'Brock is a leading figure and this book is a great testament to his intelligence, expertise and his own commitment to humanitarianism. There is a huge amount to be gained from reading this book.' -- Educational Review, 63:4