2 Trends in Educational Reform in Various Major Countries of the World
(3) France
In France social frustration with an educational system based
on the traditions of the 19th century induced movements toward reform. At the
level of secondary education such efforts as .the creating of courses called "observation
cycles" and serial revisions of curriculums were made to bring education up to
date and to emphasize individual development. The reform of university entrance
examinations was attempted with the intention of increasing the opportunities
for higher education.
A Fundamental Law of Higher Education was issued on November
12, 1968 as a consequence of campus tensions in May and June, 1968, by which
student participation in the administration of higher educational institutions
was recognized. In terms of educational contents the law also eliminated the
traditional chair system and set up a pluridisciplinary system for integrated
studies. Thus education was reformed to cope with contemporary social demands.
Attempts are also being made to open universities for reeducation and in service
training for those who have already started their careers.