Explain the approaches of comparative education studies.

- Area Study Approach
This method is one of the contemporary methods or approaches used in the comparative study of education. Area Study method is that in which a comparative limits or restricts him/herself to a particular location or area by complying with the principles of Area Study.

-Field Study Approach
This is another method of contemporary study in Comparative Education. It is just an extension of the Area Study method where a Comparative researcher carries out his/her study in two or more locations simultaneously by visiting locations to location under the investigative searchlight of the comparative educationist. The approach is as old as the field of Comparative Education.

-Case Study Approach
This is also one of the commonly used methods in comparative studies today. A Case Study as a method of studying comparative education can simply be explained as ‘giving consideration to parts from a whole’. In studying Comparative Education, the breaking down of a ‘whole’ into manageable parts or proportion is known as the case study. For instance, a study of the National Policy on Education may be subjected to a case study by picking aspect of the policy as basis of comparison in different places of its operation.

- Historical Approach
One way of comparing national systems of education is by looking for information into the evolutionary processes of these systems. It is for reason that Kosemani (1993) conceived Comparative Education as “a study of the history of education into the present”.

- Statistical Approach
This method of conducting a Comparative Education research is that which involves the collection and presentation of information on the development of education in each of the study locations, focusing on educational administration, admission levels or policies, staff and students’ performances, educational expenditures, facilities and equipment, enrolment, retention and dropout figures etc.

-Scientific Approach
Scientific approach as a method of carrying out comparative education study can simply be summarised as having the following characteristics namely;
i. study is carried out empirically by formulating hypothesis to guide its study;
ii. definition of key concepts;
iii. setting out variables aimed at making the study scientific;
iv. the instrument meant for the study has to be validated; and the
v. using statistics in the analysis of issues under study as another feature of scientific method.

- Gastronomic Approach
This is a method in which both the diet as well the eating habit of the people in a particular country are related to the practices of their education. Even though it is a very popular approach in contemporary comparative education study, it draws its strength from the nature-nurture discourse as a factor influencing the learning among learners.

- Problem/Thematic Approach
This approach involves the identification and studying of an educational problem within the context of its origin, nature, scope and causes in any geographical location (community, state, region or country) that are common to different states/countries. Usually, attempts are made to provide solution to identified problems, especially as they affect one’s own place or cultures so that generalizations could be made since the issues under investigation are similar.

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Titany answered the question on August 10, 2021 at 09:10