Degrees of Difficulty

In Degrees of Difficulty: The Challenge of Equity in College Teaching, David Trend examines the state of American higher education at a pivotal moment. Once celebrated as engines of social mobility, universities now often find themselves reinforcing inequities. Drawing on two decades of research on both public and private institutions, the book documents how factors like rising tuition costs and diminishing public funding have transformed the college landscape. Trend explores how institutional practices and traditional teaching methods conflict with democratic ideals and the needs of today's diverse student populations. He traces the effects of disparities from high school preparation through college admissions, classroom experiences, and post-graduation outcomes.

Degrees of Difficulty distinguishes itself through its focus on solutions. Rather than dwelling solely on critique, the work presents effective strategies for institutional transformation, drawing ideas from successful efforts worldwide. The book organizes its insights into four essential themes:

• Equity Today –– Shifting Public Opinion and Changing Student Demographics
• How This Happened –– Outdated Practices and Systemic Inequities
• We Can Do Better –– Inclusion, Learning Science, and Success for All Learners
• Reimagining The University –– Institutional Reform and Utopian Purpose

Designed as a pedagogical handbook with 80 focused mini-chapters, Degrees of Difficulty enables readers to explore topics based on their interests and needs. From "The Hidden Curriculum" and "The War Against Diversity" to "Active Learning" and "Gamified Teaching," the book provides practical tools for educators, administrators, and policymakers committed to creating more effective learning environments. By challenging readers to reconsider the fundamental values and objectives of higher education, Trend invites a collective reimagining of the university's role in fostering a just and prosperous society.