A look at the challenges facing education in Central Asia. In this study, the author contests that understanding the challenges throughout the 15 former republics of the former Soviet Union is helpful in understanding the progress and setback in the Central Asian Republics.

In contemporary society, science constitutes a significant part of human life in that it impacts on how people experience and understand the world and themselves. The rapid advances in science and technology, newly established societal and cultural norms and values, and changes in the climate and environment, as well as, the depletion of natural resources all greatly impact the lives of children and youths, and hence their ways of learning, viewing the world, experiencing phenomena around them and interacting with others. These changes challenge science educators to rethink the epistemology and pedagogy in science classrooms today as the practice of science education needs to be proactive and relevant to students and prepare them for life in the present and in the future. Featuring contributions from highly experienced and celebrated science educators, as well as research perspectives from Europe, the USA, Asia and Australia, this book addresses theoretical and practical examples in science education that, on the one hand, plays a key role in our understanding of the world, and yet, paradoxically, now acknowledges a growing number of uncertainties of knowledge about the world. The material is in four sections that cover the learning and teaching of science from science literacy to multiple representations; science teacher education; the use of innovations and new technologies in science teaching and learning; and science learning in informal settings including outdoor environmental learning activities. Acknowledging the issues and challenges in science education, this book hopes to generate collaborative discussions among scholars, researchers, and educators to develop critical and creative ways of science teaching to improve and enrich the lives of our children and youths.

The classroom is a microcosm of society, a dynamic space where young minds are nurtured and shaped. It is also a frontline where educators grapple with a myriad of challenges that often go unnoticed or undervalued. This book is an attempt to shed light on the complexities of the teaching profession by offering a firsthand account of the issues that educators encounter on a daily basis. Through the lens of experienced teachers, we delve into the heart of the educational landscape, exploring the challenges that range from curriculum development and assessment to classroom management and student well-being. We examine the impact of external factors such as policy changes, resource constraints, and societal pressures on the teaching and learning process. This book is not merely a catalogue of problems. Rather, it is a call to action, inviting readers to understand the challenges faced by educators and to work collaboratively towards solutions. It is our hope that this book will serve as a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and positive change in education. We have discussed about the Learning Poverty, a new and untouched concept in the academia. Ultimately, the success of any education system hinges on the dedication and expertise of its teachers. By sharing their experiences and insights, the contributors to this book aim to empower educators, inspire policymakers, and advocate for the creation of supportive and nurturing learning environments for all students.

The quality of education is pivotal for the production of human capital and this cannot be compromised by failing to refocus on the quality of education offered in schools. The inputs in the system such as trained and motivated teachers, buildings and classrooms including sanitation, clean water, instructional material such as textbooks, as well as strong leadership with vision to steer the winds of change are important in providing the desired outcomes. The chapters in this volume are broadly divided into three subsections as follows: learner related issues, (farm and rural schools, poverty and schooling, school violence, and students rights); teacher related issues,(teacher morale and motivation, teachers for all schools, management needs of school principals); and administrative/policy related issues (inclusive education, and school community relations). The social demand for better schools, effective principals, qualified and committed teachers and better opportunities for all place a huge challenge to provinces and the state to protect the rights of all citizens. This volume sets out the challenges facing the education system in South Africa, such as poor school infrastructure, poor learning conditions, and a lack of learning materials and provides recommendations on how some of these can be overcome.

Educating for the Twenty-First Century is an engaging account of some of the most critical challenges for humanity, seen through the unique perspective of a school principal. A virtuoso performance of great imaginative force, the book takes the reader through philosophical reflections, humorous anecdotes, syntheses of cutting-edge research and examples of best practice, to answer fundamental questions about education and learning in the 21st century. Provocative, touching, accessible, but always profound, the book is a must-read for policy-makers, school and university leaders, parents and anyone passionate about education and the future of the planet. "A significant book, which makes it required reading for educators, public policy experts, indeed every thoughtful citizen of our time." - AC Grayling, Philosopher and Master of the New College of the Humanities "An essential book for all those who are interested in the future of their children, in other words, the very future of humanity." - Luc Ferry, Philosopher and former Minister of Education, France

This volume offers a wide range of approaches for framing and addressing issues which currently shape global education. The discussions here are constructed around four research themes which reflect current strategic research priorities in Australian education. Together, they form a more rounded framework for approaching and evaluating educational changes and developments. The collection is made up of collaborative research that emerged between researchers and Masters coursework students in the Department of Education at Charles Darwin University, Australia. The original approach this collaboration of research adopted was developed in response to the challenges currently being experienced by higher education institutions both in Australia and around the world, which are now redesigning research and coursework programmes to address the quality of the services that they provide. This book will appeal to educators, researchers and postgraduate students.

This insightful book offers a wide-ranging collection of lively discussions on contemporary issues, policies and practices in higher education. Bartram integrates contributions from experienced academics, teachers and students in a unique approach and structure, designed to enable students with both specific and wide-ranging interests in higher education to extend their understanding. Including discussion points, research tasks and suggestions on further reading in each chapter, Understanding Contemporary Issues in Higher Education discusses a range of topics, such as: universities and the mental health ‘crisis’; knowledge, the state and the market; the role of technology in teaching and academic celebrification; disability, diversity and inclusive placement learning. Written specifically for Education Studies students, this book constitutes a timely addition to student-focused themed studies looking at aspects of higher education.