Review of Learning as Development: Rethinking International Education in a Changing World (2nd ed.), by Daniel A. Wagner
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14507/er.v33.4672Abstract
In Learning as Development: Rethinking International Education in a Changing World (2nd ed.), author Daniel A. Wagner argues that development should be understood through meaningful learning opportunities across the lifespan, especially for poor and marginalised communities. This review discusses the book’s contribution to debates on human development, international education, learning equity, early childhood, foundational learning, technology and measurement. While the book offers a valuable framework for scholars, policymakers, educators and development practitioners concerned with equitable learning and human development, some limitations include A stronger role as a conceptual synthesis than as an operational policy guide and limited engagement with the politics of reform.
Author Biography
Hamid Patilima, Universitas Panca Sakti Bekasi
Hamid Patilima is an Associate Professor in the Graduate Programme in Early Childhood Education at Universitas Panca Sakti Bekasi, Indonesia. Dr Hamid earned his PhD in Early Childhood Education from Universitas Negeri Jakarta, a master's in Urban Science from Universitas Indonesia, and a bachelor's in Criminology from Universitas Indonesia. His work focuses on early childhood education, children’s rights, child protection, education policy, and legal and policy analysis. For more than two decades, he has combined research, teaching, policy development, and fieldwork to strengthen learning, protection, and governance systems for children and families across Indonesia. Dr Patilima has contributed to national policy development and has worked with international organisations including UNICEF, the ILO, and ICMC. His field experience spans all 38 Indonesian provinces and 224 regencies and cities. As an author, trainer, auditor, and public speaker, he promotes inclusive, rights-based, and evidence-informed approaches to education, learning, and children’s wellbeing. His publications include Rethinking Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Education: Methods, Ethics, and Emerging Trends (2025), Vision for Child-Friendly Cities, and The Role of Educators in Building Resilience in Early Childhood.
References
Nussbaum, M. C. (2011). Creating capabilities: The human development approach. Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.4159/harvard.9780674061200
Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University Press.
UNESCO. (2021). Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/reimagining-our-futures-together-new-social-contract-education
World Bank. (2018). World development report 2018: Learning to realize education’s promise. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/3f1e4f05-f20b-51e0-ad64-a5d6ea2bb994
[Book reviewed] Wagner, D. A. (2026). Learning as development: Rethinking international education in a changing world (2nd ed.). Routledge.
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