The landscape of higher education around the world has changed dramatically over the past decade. today, the average college student is 26.4 years old. jobs that were stable for a hundred years are no longer growing; New jobs are emerging in digital technologies. Before the pandemic, a third of college students had some form of online learning; But over the past year, nearly all college education has been online.
These changes bring a new set of challenges and opportunities for educators. making the most of this evolving higher education space needs new and fresh ideas. In this blog post, we recommend ten books that can help you understand the higher education ecosystem, navigate the transformation it’s undergoing, and prepare for the future.
You are reading: Best books on higher education
books that offer a historical perspective
#1 ‘a history of American higher education’ by john r. thelin
To improve our higher education system, it is pertinent that we understand why it is the way it is. A History of American Higher Education provides a detailed account of the birth and evolution of educational institutions in the United States, both public and private colleges/universities.
The book dates back to the colonial era and traces American higher education to just before the pandemic (the most recent edition was published in 2019). the author deftly blends official institutional history with legends and traditions to create a deeply researched authoritative text.
For educators interested in the history of higher education, this book is an excellent manual.
#2 ‘American academic cultures’ by paul h. matifyingly
while tracing the history of higher education, mattingly pays close attention to the social context. it divides history into generational cultures: industry-driven, progressive and pragmatic, international-minded, corporate model, etc. presents education as deeply influenced by the dominant culture of the day, emphasizing the role of society in the evolution of the American student.
As educators build a higher education system for the future, this book can play an important role in inspiring ideas grounded in contemporary reality.
books for better online learning
#3 ‘outdoor learning in the digital age’ by peter smith
peter smith is an educator and thought leader in adult learning. In this book, she highlights how adult learners without credentials can use a virtual campus to improve their skills through digital tools. While many of the tips point to how students can get the most out of online education, they offer a student perspective on what kind of education would be most useful for the 21st century.
See Also: Kaplan vs Princeton Review Books- Which is The Ultimate MCAT Prep Package? – Exam Genius
If you are thinking about higher education, lifelong learning, and the future of education, this book is a useful companion.
#4 learning analytics goes to school by andrew krumm, barbara signifies, marie bienkowski
The great volumes of data, derived from the new technologies that drive higher education today, can offer significant information and ideas, when put to good use. learning analytics goes to school shows us how.
For educators who are interested in using data in educational research and practice, this book offers effective tools and techniques.
books for better administration
‘#5 how to be a dean’ by george justice
By drawing insights from the author’s own leadership experience at two large research universities, the book helps managers in similar roles reflect on their work styles. gives an idea of the daily responsibilities of an institutional leader and what they entail. justice also explains the different natures the role can take in the broader academic context, and how he handled conflicts between academia and administration.
If you’re looking to improve your impact as a manager, this book is for you.
#6 ‘the college stress test’ by robert zemsky, susan shaman and susan campbell baldridge
the university stress test is an eye-opening book on the market viability of an educational institution, a pressing concern for leaders. The authors use statistical analysis to study the issues that lead to university closures and present an informed perspective, setting the book apart from doomsday predictions on the subject. it also recommends changes such as the restructuring of courses, the revision of fees, etc. as a roadmap towards institutional viability in a market-oriented field.
To understand the business side of education, this book is a useful starting point.
books to better understand students
#7 the stressful years of their lives by b. janet hibbs, anthony rostain
Written by two mental health experts, the book is a guide for parents to help their children overcome the challenges of college life. Though written primarily for parents, it offers an empathetic look at how anyone can help students navigate their college experience.
This book can help instructors and administrators gain a better understanding of student psychology and challenges, especially pertinent during times of a pandemic.
#8 The Years That Matter Most: How College Makes or Breaks Us by paulough
See Also: National Coloring Book Day: Who Invented Coloring Books? | Time
The author explores the problems of dealing with economic inequality among peers with real-life stories from American students. he follows them from the application process to college; at ivy league schools and community colleges. the book came into conflict with the university board in question, which issued a review disagreeing with his views.
nevertheless, it offers an interesting study of the structural problem of education oriented towards economically advantaged students.
books on system politics
#9 paulo freire’s pedagogy of the oppressed
Recent crises regarding paid admissions and racial bias in selection have revealed deep systemic flaws in American higher education. Brazilian educator Paulo Freire addresses the gap that causes these problems by advocating for a pedagogy that sees the student as a co-creator and not as a vessel to be filled. he criticizes this system, calling it the “banking model” of education.
This book is likely to inspire new ideas for building equitable and diverse higher education.
#10 trans* in college: transgender students’ strategies to navigate campus life and institutional inclusion policies by z. Nicolazzo
The book addresses the issue of marginalizing students with non-traditional gender identities by making campuses more inclusive. Nicolazzo draws on the experience of being a trans person in education to highlight the inefficiencies of inclusive policies and how marginalized students can navigate them. is a deeply personal and political account of how universities “include” and “exclude.”
This book sheds light on issues of discrimination and marginalization that educators would do well to take note of.
Larry Cooperman’s Art of Teaching Online offers a practical guide to being a better online instructor. sustainable by john warner. resilient. free.: the future of public higher education imagines a radical future. miguel m. Raven and William B. the fifth wave of darars: the evolution of american higher education calls for a comprehensive redesign of the education system itself.
Higher education around the world is at a critical crossroads where university fees are rising, curriculum is becoming outdated, and there is a clear shift towards online classes and hybrid campuses. The student-as-customer idea is gaining traction, and more and more colleges are focusing their energy on improving student experiences.
To successfully navigate this phase, educators must look beyond their lessons. they need to understand the social, cultural and economic context in which higher education operates. they also need to develop empathy for the psychological situations of their various students. we hope that this collection of books offers a meaningful starting point on that journey.
See Also: Mick Foley – Book Series In Order