Peer Evaluation and Impact Assessment of Ekal Vidyalayas in Karnataka

Abstract

BACKGROUND Ekal Vidyalayas (EV) provides value-based primary education to tribal and other underprivileged communities in rural India. The EV envisions the non-formal education process as a holistic approach to developing the villages while retaining each tribe's individuality. The main goals of EV are primary education, village organization, social reform, and social harmony.

OBJECTIVES • To document the process of working of the EV in Karnataka • To undertake an evaluation to study the impact of teaching-learning system of the EV on the children, family, village and organizers • To describe the possible determinants including the motivation and dedication of the teachers of the EV movement in Karnataka • To develop an evaluation model which can be replicable adopted in other states where EV movement is underway • To arrive at implementable recommendation for enhancing the movement of EV in Karnataka

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The entire list of EVs in Karnataka was obtained which was 820. It was re-categorized to suit the study objectives. Newly reopened schools, schools less than 3 year old were excluded from random selection. The number of schools finally available after the exclusion was 56. Two hundred thirty students (133 girls) with age ranging from 5 to14 years were selected. Observation check-lists, Survey forms and personal interview were the instruments to assess the performance of the students.