Discussion of Four Panelists

Panel Session: Role of rankings in education quality Objective: The objective of the panel session was to highlight and analyze the issues for university ranking and its role in enhancing the quality of education. Panelists: There were 4 panelists from renowned universities i-e AKU, PAF Keat, Iqra and Deputy Director, HEC Quality Assurance Cell and the moderator from CBM, Dean of CBM and CES. Reflection: The 2nd education conference hosted a panel session on the role of rankings in education quality. Dr. Shaukat presented his views about education quality and said that the role of an institution is to provide a benchmark for others by providing quality education not by grades. Dr. Mohiuddin described the role of ranking and education quality and said that the harder you try to measure quality the worst you get.he also raised an issue regarding teachers that they are spending more of their time on extra tracking instead of content. He also critique the HEC for changing their goal post again and again because this would not bring about any change only the confusions and loss of time. Dr. Memon described that quality is something else and cannot be measured with ranking. They are two different things.When we are talking about measurement of quality means it is related to learning environment, teaching, resources, pedagogies etc while ranking meant to understand the credible ranking on an institute. He also explained the merits and demerits of ranking. He highlighted that todays criteria, is tilted towards logistics rather than quality content. He said that teaching service components are missing and need to be monitored and evaluated. Mr. Javed Ahmed from HEC explained the system of ranking that has been introduced and described the significance of ranking. According to him ranking has a vital role in improving the education quality. He continued and said that ranking works like a mirror in which institute can see its place and it also provides the institution to improve its quality. Later the panelists concluded by some suggestions that HEC should develop same ranking and accountability rules for everyone.There should be a institutional body where all the members are eligible and assessors. As ranking phenomena is new in Pakistan, there is a need of accountability process to achieve better results. It was a great session and i come across with many issues regarding ranking and quality. everyone one has his own perceptions and doubts. Mostly, are left unanswered but this session open up a new horizon to go in depth of the issues for others.