This book compares primary education in urban and rural China and India. It focuses on how the sociocultural context including educational policy, educators and parents' beliefs, and the conditions under which teaching and learning occur shape classroom pedagogy and determine children's attainment. This in-depth, authentic, comparative analysis of the two largest educational systems in the world is a must-read for scholars interested in the teaching and learning in these two rapidly developing Asian cultures. A common set of questions has been addressed in diverse contexts. The empirical work on which this book is based is most impressive - videotaping of mathematics and language lessons, interviews with parents and educators questionnaires with parents, teachers and children and tests of children's mathematics attainment - and this done in 3 locations in China, 3 in India and 12 schools in total.

This book compares primary education in urban and rural China and India. It focuses on how the sociocultural context including educational policy, educators and parents' beliefs, and the conditions under which teaching and learning occur shape classroom pedagogy and determine children's attainment. This in-depth, authentic, comparative analysis of the two largest educational systems in the world is a must-read for scholars interested in the teaching and learning in these two rapidly developing Asian cultures. A common set of questions has been addressed in diverse contexts. The empirical work on which this book is based is most impressive - videotaping of mathematics and language lessons, interviews with parents and educators questionnaires with parents, teachers and children and tests of children's mathematics attainment - and this done in 3 locations in China, 3 in India and 12 schools in total.

The Relationship Worlds of Infants and Toddlers explores the concept of relationships as a core element of early childhood education and care. Taking as its starting point that children from birth to three learn and develop in a network of relationships, it examines what these relationships look and feel like, how they can be fostered and why they are important for children, educators and families who are involved in early years settings. In particular, it examines: Which kinds of relationships are important in early education and care settings?How can we understand the characteristics and meaning of these relationships for individuals and groups?How can we use our understandings to build relationships in early childhood programmes that benefit children, families and educators? The authors approach the topic of relationships in infant-toddler early childhood and care settings from a range of different perspectives. Drawing on real-world examples from their own research, they show how - by understanding the diverse features and functions of the many relationships at play in infant-toddler early childhood programmes - it is possible to create opportunities to strengthen these relationships and enhance the learning opportunities that these relationships provide.Compelling reading for both early years students and professionals this book provides a valuable resource with which to approach the diversity and dynamics of infant and toddler relationships.