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Unveiling the Dark Secrets of Higher Education: "How the Rankings Industry Rules Higher Education and What To Do About It"

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Book Cover Of 'How The Rankings Industry Rules Higher Education And What To Do About It' Breaking Ranks: How The Rankings Industry Rules Higher Education And What To Do About It

The world of higher education is a complex and ever-changing landscape. In recent years, the influence of rankings has become increasingly prominent, shaping the decisions of students, parents, and policymakers alike. "How the Rankings Industry Rules Higher Education and What to Do About It" is a groundbreaking book that exposes the hidden world of university rankings and offers a path forward to a more equitable and just system.

Breaking Ranks: How the Rankings Industry Rules Higher Education and What to Do about It

by Colin Diver

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1150 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	379 pages

The Rankings Industry: A Lucrative Business

The book begins by exploring the history and motivations of the rankings industry. It reveals that these organizations are driven primarily by profit, not by a genuine concern for the quality of education. The author provides detailed accounts of how rankings companies collect and interpret data, often using flawed and biased methodologies.

One of the most disturbing revelations is the lack of transparency in the rankings process. Universities are often left in the dark about how they are evaluated and how their scores are calculated. This secrecy allows rankings companies to wield immense power over universities, influencing their strategic decisions and even their institutional identities.

The Impact of Rankings on Higher Education

The book goes on to examine the profound impact that rankings have on higher education. It argues that rankings have created a competitive environment that prioritizes prestige over substance. Universities are forced to spend exorbitant amounts of money on marketing and branding in Free Download to improve their rankings, diverting resources away from core educational activities.

Moreover, rankings have exacerbated inequalities within the higher education system. Elite universities, with their ample resources and established reputations, consistently dominate the rankings. This perpetuates a cycle of advantage that makes it harder for less-resourced institutions to compete.

The Consequences for Students and Society

The book highlights the negative consequences of rankings for students and society as a whole. It shows that students are misled by rankings, which often fail to accurately reflect the quality of education they will receive. This can lead to students making poor decisions about their future, ending up in institutions that are not a good fit for their needs.

Furthermore, the focus on rankings has narrowed the scope of what is considered valuable in higher education. It has encouraged a narrow definition of success that prioritizes career outcomes over personal growth and social responsibility. This has eroded the broader mission of higher education and has led to a decline in critical thinking and civic engagement among graduates.

What to Do About It: Reforming the Rankings Industry

The book concludes by outlining a series of bold reforms to the rankings industry. It calls for greater transparency and accountability from rankings companies, as well as more robust regulation to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure data accuracy.

It also proposes a shift in the way that universities are evaluated. Instead of relying solely on quantitative metrics, rankings should also consider qualitative factors such as teaching quality, student engagement, and the impact of research on society.

Empowering Universities and Students

The book empowers universities and students to resist the tyranny of rankings. It encourages universities to focus on their own missions and values, rather than chasing rankings. It also provides students with tools and resources to help them make informed decisions about their education, regardless of what the rankings say.

"How the Rankings Industry Rules Higher Education and What To Do About It" is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of higher education. It is a powerful indictment of the current rankings system and a blueprint for a more just and equitable system. By exposing the hidden world of rankings and offering a path forward, this book empowers universities and students to take back control of higher education and ensure that it remains a force for good in our society.

Breaking Ranks: How the Rankings Industry Rules Higher Education and What to Do about It

by Colin Diver

5 out of 5