Should comparative education be superseded by comparative and international education?

Abstract

The paper investigates three issues surrounding the field of comparative education, namely the place of comparative education in teacher education, the question as to whether the field should be transformed into comparative and international education, and acknowledgement of the place of Comenius as one of the fathers providing an inspiring vision and ideal for the field. The paper finds that in view of the current momentous societal changes and educational expansion in the world, there is a compelling case for the field of comparative education to be transformed into comparative and international education, furthermore, that to equip teachers for their role as professionals in this world a place for comparative and international education in teacher education programmes is essential; and thirdly, that due recognition should be given to the place of Comenius as a trailblazer in providing the rationale for the field of comparative and international education.