ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the contribution of the conceptual framework in relationship to learning about development. Development knowledge needs to include some understanding about different interpretations of data, to critically assess the evidence and then to review this knowledge in terms of its applicability and impact within societies. Any educational programme that aims to be located within the traditions of development education has to include a knowledge base around understanding different interpretations of international development, and basic data about global poverty. The chapter now looks at examples of research that has looked at learning about development. A good example to take from the United Kingdom (UK) is the post-16 examination on World Development which is a specialist course over two years, as a pre-higher education qualification. Publications giving data and evidence are important to building an understanding of development, but they are not neutral or value free.
