Purpose
Most educational research is produced in developed countries whose social, cultural, institutional and economic conditions differ substantially from those across the Global South. Differences in student motivation, behaviour, language, family circumstances, classroom environments, educator preparation, institutional capacity and access to resources can all affect whether an educational approach works.
Far less original research is generated within the Global South, leaving major gaps in the evidence available to educators and policymakers. Shikha Institute seeks to help address this imbalance by producing rigorous research grounded in Indian classrooms, schools and education systems. While our work responds directly to Indian conditions, many of its findings may also be relevant to other countries across the Global South facing comparable educational challenges.
Research Ethics
Shikha Institute has its own Institutional Review Board (IRB), which provides independent ethical oversight of research conducted by or through the Institute.
The IRB reviews research proposals before data collection begins. It considers the purpose and design of the study, the selection and treatment of participants, consent and assent procedures, potential risks and benefits, data protection, conflicts of interest and plans for communicating or publishing findings.
Collaborations
Shikha works with universities, researchers, governments, schools and education organisations that share an interest in producing rigorous and practically useful evidence. Potential collaborations include:
- Joint research studies
- Research conducted in Shikha Academy
- Studies within government education systems
- Independent evaluation
- Longitudinal research
- Product and programme evaluation
- Data and measurement partnerships
- Research fellowships and residencies
- Replication and adaptation studies
We are particularly interested in partnerships that strengthen research capacity within Indian education and connect academic knowledge with the problems faced by educators and institutions.
