Comparative Education
What is meant by Comparative Education?
Comparative Education is a multifaceted field of study dedicated to the analysis and comparison of educational systems in different contexts and of different dimensions, including regional, national, international, transnational and supranational. This field is not exactly a curricular subject, but a method for investigating reality, evaluating pedagogical systems from a didactic and institutional point of view.
Through discrepancies, peculiarities and similarities, Comparative Education provides a deeper understanding and provides data and indications for improving the structures evaluated. This seeks to understand the trends, internal and external influences that shaped or influenced the educational systems of different countries, allowing the observation and critical-reflective comparison of nuances in the educational field.
In short, Comparative Education is a powerful tool for understanding how different educational systems operate, what their capabilities and deformities are, and how these can be improved, in order to enrich the educational system, in addition to providing valuable insights that can be used to inform educational policies and pedagogical practices around the world.
Objects of study of Comparative Education:
The objects of study in comparative education are mainly based on:
- Educational problems;
- Education practices and policies;
- Pedagogical facts;
- Pedagogical theory;
- Education systems;
- Pedagogical issues;
- Educational process;
- Education in general.
Tertium Comparationis
- Serves as a reference or mental model for the comparative process;
- It translates a previous idea or an ideal that conditions and promotes comparison;
- It gives greater meaning to the comparison and elucidates the relevance of the criteria to be defined.
Jullien de Paris
Marc-Antoine Jullien de Paris, a prominent name in the history of Comparative Education, was born in 1775 into a Parisian family with a strong background in Humanities. During the French Revolution, Jullien played an active role as a journalist for the Jacobins and the French National Convention, as well as serving as a diplomat and legionary under Napoleon Bonaparte.
From 1848, Jullien dedicated the rest of his life to the study of education and pedagogy, contributing a rich variety of works, including books, monographs, essays, reports and memoranda.
Jullien's pioneering ideas helped drive the progress of the science of comparative education, establishing the "paradigm of modernity" and promoting the ideals of the Enlightenment, including reason/rationalism, empiricism, science, universalism, secularism, progress, and the concept of the state -nation.
His objectives
Jullien de Paris's objectives were not to create a new science, but rather to establish an ambitious project. Throughout this project, Jullien gathered information to produce a comparative table of the main European education establishments, used rigorous methods and sought collaboration from subject matter experts, all with the aim of facilitating education reform.
His contributions
Jullien de Paris's contributions to Comparative Education are invaluable. He highlighted the importance of an empirical and scientific approach, the need to develop appropriate tools for comparative education, the relevance of considering extreme factors in education and the advantages of learning about education in other countries. His work has been fundamental to the development of Education in the world, reinforcing the importance of Comparative Education in this process.
Other Notable Comparatists
It is important to highlight that Comparative Education would not be what it is today without the significant contributions of several notable scholars. Among them are:
- Isaac Kandel: A prominent educator and comparatist who made significant contributions to the understanding of education in different cultural contexts.
- Nicholas Hans: Known for his pioneering work in the comparative history of education.
- Friedrich Schneider: Contributed valuable insights into European education systems.
- Edmund King: Famous for his research into the history of education and its influence on educational practice.
- J.A. Lauwerys: Contributed to the expansion of the field of Comparative Education through his research and writings.
- Vexliard: Known for his in-depth analyzes of education systems in different countries.
- Noah & Eckstein: This duo of researchers is known for their theories and models in Comparative Education.
- Kneller: Contributed to the philosophy of education and to the understanding of education in a global context.
- Lê Thành Khôi: This Vietnamese researcher is known for his contributions to the understanding of education in Asia.
- George Bereday: Considered one of the founders of modern Comparative Education, Bereday is known for his innovative work in comparing educational systems.
Each of these scholars left an indelible mark on the field of Comparative Education, helping to shape the discipline as we know it today. His contributions continue to inform and influence research and practice in the field.