Improving School Science in Advanced and Developing Countries

Abstract

This review criticizes and summarizes case studies, cost-effectiveness estimates, surveys, and experiments conducted in primary and secondary education in low- and moderate-income countries. It further summarizes research syntheses (meta-analyses) and reviews in advanced countries. Taken as a whole, it suggests that science education in developing countries can be made considerably more effective and productive. Concentrating resources on primary and secondary schools, rather than on vocational and higher education, and employing efficient educational methods would increase the availability and quality of science education which, in turn, would seem likely to lead to greater equality of educational opportunity and higher levels of economic growth. Some research conducted in developing countries on distance education and cost-effectiveness is exemplary and appears to have research and practical implications for both developing and advanced countries.