Introduction to International and Comparative Education

Introduction to International and Comparative Education (ICE) is designed for anyone curious about this field. This short course offers a comprehensive overview, covering its historical background, key concepts, and the role of major international organizations in shaping education worldwide. Whether you are a new student, teacher, or simply an education enthusiast, this course will help you deepen your understanding of ICE.

The course is divided into seven sections, each focusing on a fundamental aspect of international and comparative education. You will begin by exploring the historical development of comparative education and how the discipline has evolved over time. Next, you will move on to clarifying the core concepts—understanding the distinctions and connections between international and comparative education. In Section Five, we will discuss major international organizations, their role in education, and  Global  Agenda.

Additionally, the course introduces key concepts and frameworks, including globalization, policy borrowing, and multicultural education. One of the most well-known frameworks by Bray and Thomas will also be examined. By the end of this course, you will have a strong foundation in international and comparative education and be better equipped to analyze educational issues from a global perspective. Don’t forget to complete the assignments and review the reference list at the end for further reading.