Learning First: An Introduction

Abstract

The broad imperative to improve learning for all children is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Indeed, learning has been part of the 2015 United Nations Millennium Development Goals and will likely have an increased visibility in the post-2015 era, when quality of education will receive enhanced attention. But what is learning? Does learning happen the same way around the world? What are the social and economic factors that impact learning and quality of education. How do these factors affect the most disadvantaged populations? These and other questions are central to a debate on the nature and role of learning around the world. Research on these issues in developing countries will be needed in order to foster informed educational policy development.