If you’ve ever sat in a lecture wondering why we teach the way we do, or why students in Finland seem to have it “all figured out” while others struggle, you’ve hit the two pillars of this course. Philosophy of Education asks what the point of it all is, while Comparative Education looks across borders to see who is doing it better (and why).
Below is the exam paper download link
Past Paper On Educational Economics For Revision
Above is the exam paper download link
When the exam schedule looms, these subjects can feel abstract. To ground your revision, we’ve put together a survival Q&A that tackles the big-picture questions. Once you’ve dusted off the cobwebs, use our past paper link below to see if your arguments can stand up to the examiner’s scrutiny.
What is the actual “point” of Philosophy in an education degree?
Philosophy isn’t just about old men in togas. It’s the foundation of your teaching style. If you believe education is about passing on a fixed body of knowledge, you’re an Essentialist. If you think it’s about social change and student interest, you’re a Progressivist. In an exam, you’ll be asked to justify a school policy—using these “isms” is how you prove you aren’t just guessing.
How do I compare two different countries without getting confused?
The secret to Comparative Education is the “Four-Step Method” by George Bereday. You don’t just jump into comparing; you follow a path:
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Description: What are the facts in Country A and B?
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Interpretation: Why are they like that? (History, religion, economics).
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Juxtaposition: Putting the data side-by-side.
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Comparison: Finding the actual similarities and differences.
Is it enough to just look at PISA rankings?
Definitely not. While the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) scores tell us who is “winning” in math or science, a good comparative student looks deeper. You need to consider Educational Borrowing. Just because a “No Homework” policy works in a small, wealthy nation doesn’t mean it will work in a large, developing one. Examiners love it when you discuss the “Context” rather than just the “Scores.”
What is the difference between Epistemology and Axiology?
These are the two big “Aha!” words for your essay:
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Epistemology: The study of knowledge. How do we know what is true? (e.g., Is it through a lecture or through a lab experiment?)
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Axiology: The study of values. What is important? (e.g., Are we teaching students to be competitive individuals or cooperative citizens?)
Why do examiners keep bringing up “Globalization”?
Because the world is shrinking. “Globalization” in education means that schools everywhere are starting to look the same because of international pressure. This is often called Convergence Theory. In your past paper revision, look for questions that ask how global trends are affecting local classroom traditions.
Ready to Cross the Philosophical Finish Line?
Philosophy and Comparative Education require you to think critically and write persuasively. It’s not about memorizing dates; it’s about building a solid argument. To help you practice your “Analytical Voice,” we’ve provided a specialized past paper for your revision sessions.
Download: Philosophy and Comparative Education Past Paper (PDF)
How to use this paper to secure your A:
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The “Opposite” Strategy: Take a philosophical prompt and try to argue it from two different perspectives (e.g., an Idealist vs. a Realist).
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The Case Study Hunt: Look at the Comparative questions. If you don’t know the education system of at least two other countries besides your own, go back to your notes!
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The Vocabulary Check: Ensure you are using terms like Pedagogy, Humanism, and Cultural Imperialism correctly.
Don’t let the big ideas intimidate you. Education is the most powerful tool in the world, and you are currently learning how to use it. Download the paper, grab a coffee, and start comparing your way to success.
