In education in general and at our university we love rankings, too. Recently, TU/e news headlines stated TU/e topped the Keuzegids (Selection Guide) charts of Dutch Universities of Technology once again. The best of three, mind you. Our score in the valorization ranking of universities is much more impressive. On that list – which is much longer – we’ve been the world’s number one since 2009 as far as our level of collaboration and publications with the industry is concerned. But oh well, the Times Higher Education Ranking only awarded us with a ‘114th’ position. It goes without saying we’re prouder of rankings we score well on and that involve many competitors. Those are the best lists.

What’s the deal with those lists, really? They help us make order out of seeming chaos. They help us to find our position when compared to our peers. They’re reason for all kinds of emotions ranging from pride to pity. They can lead to admiration, reward, but may also result in punishment or glee. They lie at the basis of many decisions and policy changes, sometimes even within our own institution. And these days, above all, they’re public.

Fortunately, there are less abstract education lists as well. For example: what makes a good teacher in higher education? The undisputed number one in meta-analyses of educational research is ‘a passion for teaching’. Two: a passion for students. And three, one that will appeal to many: love for their area of expertise. Likewise, there’s a list of the worst characteristics for a teacher to have. One: poor class management. Two: lack of expertise. Three: lack of motivation.

Summer break is near, so you won’t see any rankings or lists for a while. Let’s hope we’ll have a wonderful summer (top ten?). And if we don’t, there’s always the television. Watch the Tour de France and list your favorites. Good luck, I do hope you score well in your own pool ranking!