Higher Education--India and Abroad (Hardbound-2014)

The world is entering the age of knowledge and higher education is undoubtedly an important dimension in the economic development of each nation and the world at large. The book attempts to describe the aims and objectives of higher education since ancient times in India and the West and also incorporates the recommendations and ideas of the latest commissions and committees on higher education in India. It provides a discussion of central and key concepts related to a university institution and higher education in general, rather than more superficial but broader coverage. The purpose of this book is to help the students, teachers, parents and the community in general to appreciate the concept of higher education and university, since it is meant to serve a public cause. The book will make the readers aware of the history and development of this age-old institution in India and abroad and its changing aims and functions in the changing world. The book is presented in two volumes for convenience in reading. Chapters in the first volume cover central themes in the study of higher education, viz. idea and concept of a university institution, history of university in India and around the world; aims and philosophy of higher education around the world and in the present changing environment; governance, management and administration of a university system; and structure and organization of universities around the world. Chapters in the second volume focus on contemporary issues related to higher education, especially with reference to India, viz. university autonomy and accountability, financing higher education, globalization and privatization in higher education, collaboration of university and industry, research and innovation, value education and quality management in higher education. The book will help the students and teachers understand that higher education is not just academics but an education for life—something beyond the walls of the university. It will help the readers to understand the structure and organization of higher education in India, various types of universities and professional institutes existing in India and the administration/ governance of universities and higher educational institutes. It would be of interest to professionals, students, officials and common readers, and especially useful for the students pursuing B.Ed, M.Ed and M.A. (Education) and M.Phil. (Education) programmes and those preparing for the UGC NET for Lectureship.

Dr. Rashmi Soni did her graduation and B.Ed from the most renowned girls’ degree college, Isabella Thoburn Girls College, Lucknow. She obtained her M.Ed degree from University of Lucknow in 1998. She also did Masters in Psychology and Economics and holds Ph.D. degree in Education from Lucknow University. Her doctoral research was on “Intellectuals’ Expectations from a University: An Exploratory Study.” Presently, Dr. Soni is a permanent faculty member in Department of Teacher Education in Mahila Vidyalaya PG College, Lucknow, affiliated to University of Lucknow. She has a number of published papers to her credit in many national journals. Her major fields of interest are Higher Education, School Organization, Psychology of Adolescents, and Guidance and Counselling. Dr. Soni was conferred with Rashtriya Gaurav Samman Puraskar for Health and Education by Health and Development Association in association with Global Achievers Foundation in 2012. She was given Shiksha Rattan Puraskar, a Certificate of Excellence by India International Friendship Society. She is also the recipient of “Shantidoot” Shiksha Gaurav award from World Peace Movement Trust, Meerut, and The Best Citizens of India Award (2012) from International Publishing House, New Delhi.