Educational strategies for small island states

Abstract

This publication describes the significance, relevance, and practical implications for educational planning of insularity and small size. Its empirical basis is drawn primarily from the Caribbean and South Pacific regions. Part 1 relocates the theme of small states in a theoretical and historical perspective. It describes the characteristics common to small states that constitute both constraints to and advantages for educational planning. Part 2 analyses the implications of small size for educational planning. It provides a statistical overview of education in small states that illustrates problems they face and the significance of context-dependent factors for these countries' educational behaviours and circumstances. Part 3 proposes a strategic reflection encompassing the key aspects of planning and management of education. Small size and insularity represent a double challenge to educational change. Strategic reflection is organized around several major functions--forecasting, pedagogy, administration, and cooperation. Particular attention is paid to archipelago states because of their extreme specificity