Education as a Global Concern

This is an engaging discussion about the functions of education, drawing on a range of educational situations. "Education as a Global Concern" introduces the issues covered by this exciting new series, "Education as a Humanitarian Response". Colin Brock challenges the existing functions of education as widely and conventionally perceived, and promotes the notion of education as a humanitarian response as the prime function. He will examine the educational situations of a range of human groups that are marginalized or excluded from mainstream provision and will also consider the idea that 'humane' means 'appropriate'. This series presents an authoritative, coherent and focused collection of texts to introduce and promote the notion of education as a humanitarian response as a prime function of educational activity. The series takes a holistic interpretation of education, dealing not only with formal schooling and other systemic provisions in the mainstream, but rather with educational reality - teaching and learning in whatever form it comes at any age.

'A 'must read' for all those involved in education, especially students of education, practitioners, activists and policy makers as well as academics. It distils education's epistemological origins mapping its odyssey from its roots to the present day in an interesting and informative fashion. Brock cites many seminal texts which have shaped, and often forged, the course of education...It is as if he catches up the globe, spins it around metaphorically, and describes with ease education's origins and impact on every corner of the globe. But in doing so, Brock also makes us think through our assumptions about education, its purposes and effects.' Rosarii Griffin, Director of the Centre for Global Development through Education (CGDE), Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Â Ireland, 'Brock is a leading figure and this book is a great testament to his intelligence, expertise and his own commitment to humanitarianism. There is a huge amount to be gained from reading this book.', 'This book will discomfort those who believe that schooling is the only and best way to produce a just and democratic society. It will frustrate those seeking quick and easy solutions to our current difficulties. It will annoy those who think that answers are easy and easily applied. Finally, the scope of the argument may put off those accustomed to precise definitions and use of powerful statistics. Brock offers no equations, only an interlocking set of concerns and signposts pointing toward possible answers. This book is a challenge to join in the search for a new understanding.' Noel McGinn, Emeritus Professor of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Emeritus Institute Fellow, Institute of International Development, Harvard University, USA, 'Colin Brock is one of Britain's most experienced and respected academics in the field of international education for development. In his new book, Education as a Global Concern, he gives us a typically lively and well-informed call to action. I recommend it to both teachers and to students.' W. John Morgan, UNESCO Chair of the Political Economy of Education, University of Nottingham, UK, 'Education as a Global Concern is a timely and valuable contribution to the world of comparative and international education. The global perspectives it encourages the reader to reflect on, and the discourse on education as a humanitarian response, in which it is argued that education is far more than formal schooling or limited to the narrow context of disasters, should make it essential reading for policy makers as well as students of education or social science disciplines. By drawing on numerous examples from across the globe the author has expertly shown how political, historical, social and geographical dimensions have contributed to the current distorted state of education. Colin Brock argues for a new approach based on partnerships and the local community including non formal and informal learning as well as formal learning as the way forward.' Keith Borien, Chief Executive Officer of the Borien Education Foundation for Southern Africa (BEFSA), South Africa

Colin Brock is Senior Research Fellow at University of Oxford, UK, and specialises in Comparative and International Education. He holds a UNESCO Chair in the field of Education as a Humanitarian Response.