Relationship between economic history and education?

Yesterday, as a symposium of Japan Association for African Studies, Chubu Branch, we had Dr. Gareth Austin from London School of Economics. He is a specialist of economic history in West Africa from the 1500 to the present. Thanks for the participation of many students, even the ones who are not thinking of doing research in Africa.

History and economics may not sound directly related to research on education or educational development in the present developing countries. But knowing the context and the background is important to understand how things came to be in the current situation and why. Without knowing the causes deeply rooted in the society, you may not be able to solve the puzzles in front of you. I hope this event gave you a chance to think of the necessity of learning widely and deeply about the societies in/about which you will do research.

For me also, it was an opportunity to realize that I have to think and read more! How to squeeze the time to read? That is the problem!

Shoko Yamada