Issues with the Current Metrics-Driven Approach to University Rankings
Rankings focus heavily on research output, such as the number of published papers, ignoring the quality and relevance of research.
A university’s complex nature cannot be captured by a single ranking, which fails to account for teaching quality and broader impacts.
Universities feel compelled to improve their ranks, leading to potential compromises in educational quality.
The focus on research metrics diminishes the importance of teaching, mentoring, and student engagement.
Critiques on the Government's Policies of Promoting Competition and Autonomy
The government’s promotion of competition mirrors a market model, treating education as a commodity rather than a public good.
Granting financial independence to universities may lead to increased student fees, limiting access for economically weaker sections.
Policies that prioritize rankings can undermine universities' essential role in educating and mentoring students.
Government reliance on universities to generate their own funding may neglect the need for state support in higher education.
The policies fail to emphasize teaching quality, risking a decline in the overall educational mission of universities.
Way Forward
Establish distinct paths for research-focused and teaching-focused faculty, allowing them to excel in their areas without undue pressure.
Recognize and reward effective teaching alongside research to ensure a balanced educational approach.
Encourage a paradigm shift that values both teaching and research as integral to the university’s mission.
Move away from a metrics-focused system that views education as a market and recognize it as a fundamental right and state responsibility.
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