India

Preparing an agenda for education research in Kerala

Coordination Work, Environmental & Sustainability Education, Research, Research Proposal Development

This collaboration is based on University of Jyväskylä (JYU) having been invited, in 2023, to participate in a consortium initiated by three Indian organisations working in Kerala. The aim of the consortium is to develop an agenda for education research in Kerala, and to initiate some of the formative research on the agenda. The participation of JYU researchers is three-pronged. 1) Two JYU researchers are supporting the consortium in designing a quantitative study. 2) JYU is identifying presenters to appear in a seminar series organised by the consortium (The title of the series is Perspectives for Kerala’s School Education – Shaping A Future with Social Justice. It comprises three parts, namely the future of work and the future of education; climate change and sustainability, and; language, identity and culture and the role of formal education.) 3) JYU is also funding a separate project on climate change pedagogy. For more information, contact gintlindia [at] jyu.fi

Foundational literacy development using GraphoLearn and GraphoLearn-aligned phonics instruction: randomised control trial in India

Education & Society, Educational Technology, Research & Intervention

The aim of this research-based intervention is two-fold. First, to examine effective ways of building foundational English reading skills in multi-lingual learners by integrating computer-assisted learning and teacher instruction. Second, to examine role of existing literacy skill level in supporting literacy acquisition and cross-language relations between students’ Hindi and English literacy. Started in 2022, a randomised control trial (RCT) was first conducted in collaboration with the Department of Education (DoE), Delhi. GraphoLearn-aligned phonics instruction was collaboratively developed with the teachers in India and implemented along with GraphoLearn Rime, a research- and evidence-based computer-assisted reading tool in primary-level classrooms in India. Findings from this intervention can be accessed at https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86236. In the next phase of the study (2024-2025), another RCT will be conducted in collaboration with the DoE and University of Delhi. The results will be published in 2026-27. For more information, contact bdeepti [at] jyu.fi

Support for Kerala school education reform

Educational Technology, Intervention

This collaboration started in 2022. It is based on a dialogue on how Finnish higher education institutions participating in GINTL may provide small-scale research support for the Kerala State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in the Kerala school education reform process. In 2024, Universities of Jyväskylä and Oulu are able to provide a small amount of researcher hours to support SCERT requests. The two universities, together with University of Helsinki and Aalto, will also be able to seek for experts to give presentations in online seminars organised by the SCERT and invite the SCERT to their relevant online events. Additionally, University of Jyväskylä and the Innokas network are collaborating with the SCERT to exchange experiences on technology education. Their plans include piloting a Kerala-developed technology education concept called The Little Kites in Finland. For more information, contact gintlindia [at] jyu.fi

Joint Working Committee with focus on school education in India and Finland

Early Childhood Education, Intervention, Online Exchange

This collaboration started in 2021. It is based on a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). The partners have agreed to 1) share knowledge towards better understanding of their educational contexts 2) plan for mutually beneficial activities, and 3) exchange experiences and lessons learned in their joint activities. Pilot activities include joint webinar series on early childhood education and care (University of Jyväskylä and NCERT), and a joint proposal for a programme to develop digital skills for vocational teachers in India (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences and the vocational education arm of NCERT). Additionally, universities of Helsinki, Oulu and Aalto have participated in knowledge sharing in the annual committee meetings. For more information, contact gintlindia [at] jyu.fi

Knowledge sharing seminars and visits to strengthen collaboration in educational sciences and teacher training

This is a series of two-hour thematic online events where educational researchers and teacher educators share about their institution’s and their own research in teaching and learning at K-12 level. Seminars connect Indian and Finnish educationalists with shared research and teaching interests.

Community of practice for Educational Leaders