Post on 03-Jan-2016
Nature of Discussions on Higher Education in India
A preliminary exploration of articles in Economics and Political Weekly
Intent
To explore
• developmental context of higher education in India
• the role of universities in inclusive innovation and development
To understand
• general research interest in these themes...
...in the mainstream
• By looking at these thoughts through EPW’s lens
Questions
What is the nature of discussion/areas of concern in the higher education discourse in India today?
Are there any thoughts on
• visualizing the developmental role of higher education in India?
• social innovations in Indian higher education?
• on collaborations with civil society and non-formal education spaces?
How?
Several Indian journals on education brought out by NCERT, NUEPA, IIE, AIU, etc.
EPW read by academics, practitioners and policy makers
EPW digital archives available readily
A preliminary, qualitative exploration of EPW articles from 1999-2011
Keywords: “higher education”, “universities”, “colleges”, “university”, “college”
Overview
1999-2011
175+ articles
Cross cutting themes
Recurring themes
On governance & regulation
• Concerns on affiliation model
• Voices for autonomy
• Leadership
On societal relevance of curriculum
• Synergy between theory and praxis
• Not mere intellectual exercises
• Contextualization of syllabus
• Fend off vested interests
Recurring themes (contd.)
On teaching and research
• Lack of creativity in academics
• More concerned with professional interests
• Alternatives to motivate/recruit teachers
On financing higher education
• Voices for/against LPG
• Alternatives
Affirmative action and social inclusion
• Secondary status of women
• Voices for/against reservation
• Alternative frameworks
Preliminary findings...
Academics want better rankings, stronger political commitment, better leadership, offer alternatives, technocratic solutions, etc.
Not much discussion in EPW about the development role of universities
No clear themes to engage with societal issues by collaborating with civil society/non-formal spaces
Future opportunities..
Increase keywords, expand to more journals, education archives (CED), etc.
Systematic, bibliometric analysis possible
Build upon existing work to further research on universities and intermediaries collaboration for socially inclusive innovations
Engage/expand ideas for the research network