Trnsfm Ed for Dev: System Rfrm

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate

This course discusses the need, barriers and potential for education systems transformation in the 21 st century with a focus on developing countries. We introduce the international environment for education through the Sustainable Development Goals and the Education Aid Architecture. We review the evidence about the key challenges education systems are facing including the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic with a particular attention to the rapid changing environment in terms of skills needs and the uncertainty attached to it. We analyze the policy process in the education sector and discuss the use of evidence alongside political economy aspects. Introducing tools and concepts from complexity theory, system thinking and collective action, we discuss barriers and opportunities for education system transformative reforms. We review innovations in the education sector and connect the concepts of innovation and education system transformation. Finally, we present a pathway for leapfrogging. Students apply what they have learned to design a leapfrogging approach in a developing country of their choice.