In the Indian context, reforms brought in to improve schools and school systems entail large scale programmes with enormous financial and human resources and complex relationships between contexts and stakeholders. Programme design, as a result, is a critical aspect of a study of public-school systems. 

In this course, we believe that a dynamic relationship between design, implementation and evaluation is necessary for effective programmes. You will study Programme Theory which involves a research-based Theory of Change, and programme archetypes such as Theory of Action. A theory of change might postulate that the provision of nutrition will increase the concentration of students, while the theory of action will ask how nutrition will be delivered to students. This will help you consider the what’s and how’s of programme design and evaluation in a holistic manner. 

You will study theories, frameworks and methodologies — causal interference, participatory approaches, and comparative case studies from large scale programmes in the Indian educational context. This course will help you develop the ability to contribute meaningfully to the quality of programme design and evaluation in the workplace.