Conference Theme & Sub-Themes

The newest decade of the 21st century has been characterized by very rapid and at times drastic changes in socio-economic, political, scientific and technological, as well as philosophical, ethical and moral domains worldwide. Although the changes and their impacts are more pronounced in western and developed countries, the wind of change has been felt even in the developing regions of the Asia-Pacific. Many, if not all, countries have enthusiastically responded to these changes by undertaking highly crucial reforms at the national level. This has resulted in a series of reform schemes that have touched on politics, economics, finance, bureaucratic systems, and education.

Changes that have occurred have important implications for reforms in the organization and content of education and schooling. Education, or more to the point quality education, is, in turn, seen by countries as a powerful potential change agent that should be proactive rather than just reactive for the betterment of the social, economic, and political environment. In addition, there has been a shift in paradigm from a concentration on economic development to that of sustainable development. The latter is development that not only generates economic growth but distributes its benefits equitably; that regenerates the environment rather than destroys it; that empowers people rather than marginalizes them. It is the type of development that gives priority to the poor, enlarging their choices and opportunities and providing for their participation in decisions that affect their lives. This paradigm shift has major implications for the way in which countries view the role of education and schooling in the development process. And the ultimate aim of those education reforms is the sustainability of the nations, which will enable them to develop as a nation of wealth, stability, and dignity and with the ability to compete with other countries in the world community.

Considering the need to face a perpetually changing world of education and training, the conference will explore avenues for adapting to the diverse changes for the ultimate aim of quality education and sustainability under the following thematic streams:

• Contemporary Issues and Trends in Comparative Education
• Internationalization
• ‘Asianness’ in the 21st Century
• Promoting and Improving Basic Education
• Teacher Education and Development
• Current Issues in Educational Research, Measurement, and
Evaluation
• Women, Girls and the Disadvantaged
• Ethics, Values, Culture
• Quality and Relevance of Education
• Education for the World of Work
• Preventative Education
• Education for Peace and International Understanding
• Restructuring and Reforming of Secondary Schooling
• Delivery Systems
• Cultural and Social Dimensions vs. Individual Needs
• Higher Education
• Quality Assurance and Reform
• Language Education
• Non-Formal Education
• Aesthetic Education
• Qualifications and Characteristics of Teachers and Students
• Global Issues and Education