This book originates from an international conference convened in 1998 by the Centre for International Studies in Education and Graduate School of Education at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. The theme for this conference was "Education at Reconstruction and Transformation." The papers have since been completely rewritten and are joined by several commissioned chapters presented in this book. The book highlights the tensions that exist between the powerful agendas involved with globalization and efforts to improve the quality and relevance of education in societies undergoing change. There are 14 chapters: (1) "Introduction: Educational Development and Social Transformation in a Global Economy" (Teame Mebrahtu, Michael Crossley, and David Johnson); (2) "Globalisation and Its Impact on Education" (Jacques Hallak); (3) "Globalisation, Education Reform and Language Policy in Transitional Societies" (Keith Watson); (4) "Reflection on Megatrends in Education from a Polish Perspective" (Danuta Elsner); (5) "Pedagogical Challenges in Post-Wende East Germany" (Bernhard Thomas Streitwieser); (6) "Estonia in the Grip of Change: The Role of Education for Adults in the Transition Period" (Talvi Marja and Larissa Jogi); (7) "Educational Transformation in South Africa's Transition to Democracy" (Blade N'zimande and Susan Mathieson); (8) "The Challenges of Educational Reconstruction and Transformation in Eritrea" (Petros Hailemariam); (9) "Transforming Teacher Education in a Small State: Potential for Distance Education in Belize, Central America" (Cynthia Thompson and Michael Crossley); (10) "Education for All? Transforming Educational Provision for the Inclusion of Street Children in Brazil" (Leslie Groves and David Johnson); (11) "Globalisation, Education and the Colonial Transition of Two Remnants of Empire: A Comparative Analysis of Hong Kong and Macau" (Mark Bray); (12) "The Role of Donors in Educational Reconstruction and Transformation" (Mike Kiernan); (13) "Transforming Education Through Donor Funded Projects: How Do We Measure Success?" (Harvey Smith); and (14) "Transforming Education: Participatory Approaches for Community Empowerment" (Terry Allsop). The book ends with notes on contributors. (RT)