New OU-led book compares primary education across the world

A unique comparative education textbook that focuses on primary education has been edited by two Open University education researchers, Kimberly Safford and Dr Liz Chamberlain.

Learning and Teaching Around the World is an introduction to the varied experiences, practices and developments in primary education today, in settings across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australasia.

The 25-chapter book is a core text for the new OU course Comparative and international studies in primary education (E309), launching in October, but is aimed anyone with an interest in education, development or sustainability.

It explores key educational themes, such as standards for learner-centred education, as well as wider issues including refugee learners and multigrade classes.

The wide range of contributions featured includes OU research into distance learning and development in primary education, a field where the OU is a world leader with groundbreaking projects including TESSA and Girls’ Access to Education.

The focus on primary education addresses a gap in the market, as other comparative education books have concentrated on secondary and higher education, says Kimberly Safford.

“There is a great difference in experiences of primary education around the world, and this book allows the reader to see how education is working – or not working so well – in other parts of the globe.

“We hope the book is both a window, and a mirror, so that looking out at the rest of the world also helps you to look back at your own education system  and how it might do things differently.”

Learning and Teaching Around the World: Comparative and International Studies in Primary Education is published by Routledge on July 19; copies can be pre-ordered.

The Open University is currently recruiting Associate Lecturers across the UK for this new module. To find out more, including person specification and information on how to apply, see the OU's vacancies website and scroll down to E309 Comparative and international studies in primary education. The closing date is Thursday 19 July, 2018.