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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
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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
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