Programme Head: Anitha Kurup

EDUCATION PROGRAMME 

PUBLICATIONS

The EDUCATION PROGRAMME at NIAS is a consolidation of work in various projects and academic activities conducted at the institute for nearly two decades.  Drawing on a range of experiences, the PROGRAMME is premised on observations that the education system in India, at all levels, is entrapped in several contradictions. On the one hand, mass elementary education remains limited with problems of access, equity and quality, while on the other hand, select specialized institutions of higher education are celebrated for the generation of creative and global talent. Even as existing institutions face a crisis in management and quality, several new, private institutions are catering to differential financial capabilities of households.  The challenges are multiple: how to provide equal and quality education to all? What models and practices of education are suitable for a diverse population? How can local and national priorities be matched with the pressures of global regimes? What linkages must education institutions have with the social, political and economic worlds of the people?  Attempting to address these challenges and drawing on the institutional mandate of inter/multi-disciplinary research, the Education Programme focuses on connecting research with teaching, advocacy and policy.  Our work has found audience in diverse forums including academic journals, national and international conferences, teach-ins, government expert committees, governing boards of educational institutions among others. In addition to the scholars from around the world, we have collaborated with students, teachers, administrators, government officials and civil society organisations.

Research Focus and action engagements (2010-2020)

Building on our work in education for over two decades, the education programme is set to expand in the next few years, focusing on the themes that deserve urgent, deep engagements. Our focus, ‘Reaching the Unreached’ draws attention to the critical problems in education that have hitherto received little attention.  Working on all levels of education and interacting with different stakeholders, we have been involved in identifying trends, reviewing schemes and policies, drafting reports and collaborating around issues involving meaningful, viable visions of education. We have identified the following four broad, thrust areas: 

(1)     Education of the Gifted and Talented 

(2)     Gender and Higher Education

(3)     Women in STEM disciplines

(3)     Education and Marginalised Communities

(4)     Vocational  Education. 

Visit PRODIGY (Promoting the Development of India's Gifted Young)  website.