Shaping Futures Through
Impact-Based Research

Aawaaz is committed to conducting pioneering research to
identify gaps in pedagogy, policy or praxis

Uncovering gaps through Research

At Aawaaz, we firmly believe that research is the cornerstone of creating high-quality learning environments for everyone. In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, we launched the Aawaaz research wing in 2019-20, dedicated to supporting research efforts and sharing compelling stories about students and teachers navigating through these unprecedented times. Since then, we’ve collaborated with numerous national and international partners, including esteemed institutions such as Columbia University, University of Sussex, and University of California, San Diego.

Our past projects have also seen fruitful partnerships with organizations like Student Helping Honduras in the US and Vision Limited in India. If you’re passionate about research and eager to collaborate, or if you’re interested in joining our dynamic research wing, we invite you to reach out and explore the possibilities with us. Together, let’s make a difference in education through the power of research and collaboration. Reach out to us at: hello@aawaaz.co

Successful Research Projects

Understanding Peer Networks using the Socionomy Tool

Our collaborative pilot project, spearheaded by the Department of Education at the University of California, San Diego, the Department of Economics at Columbia University, and Aawaaz, is dedicated to making Indian classrooms more inclusive and supportive. Recognizing the vital role of teachers in achieving this goal, our project focuses on providing them with access to crucial network and relationship data within their classrooms.

By leveraging this data and optimizing classroom seating arrangements, we aim to foster a more inclusive learning environment conducive to both socio-emotional and academic growth. Through our study, we seek answers to key questions about friendship networks, demographic segmentation, and the impact of seating arrangements on student outcomes. We prioritize the ease of participation for teachers, offering ongoing support from our research team and providing comprehensive classroom reports at no cost. Participation in our research project also serves as professional development, enhancing educators’ skills and contributing to long-term improvements in classroom design and teaching practices. Join us in shaping the future of education through research-driven initiatives.

Vision Unlimited

Our research focused on addressing the critical issue of inadequate support for students, particularly those from marginalized communities, both during and after the pandemic. Centered in Haryana, India, where state data revealed staggering dropout rates ranging from 29,000 to 1.25 million students at the primary and secondary levels due to the pandemic (as reported by Tribune, 2021, and Indian Express, 2022), we investigated the crucial role of learning centers in offering a schooling-like educational experience.

As the government strove to reintegrate these students into the education system, we explored the significance of learning centers in bridging the gap and ensuring continued access to quality education. The intervention which was carried out in the state of Haryana, India, began in 2020. Learning centers were set up to provide support to students who had dropped out of school due to the pandemic. These centers were made utilizing unused shipping containers, with teachers recruited from the community. In total, 148 students were taught subjects such as Math, English, and Hindi by six teachers.

Pathways to Equity: Understanding Teacher and Networks.

This research project delves into the complexities surrounding teachers’ agency in working with Economically Weaker Section (EWS) students in their classrooms. It seeks to understand the various factors that either support or hinder teachers’ ability to effectively engage with and support EWS students. Additionally, the project examines the influence of teachers’ social networks on their agency in working with EWS students and explores the dynamics of collaboration among teachers to support this student demographic.

Understanding the factors that impact teachers’ agency in working with EWS students is crucial for informing targeted interventions and support systems to enhance educational outcomes for this marginalized student group. By investigating the role of social networks and collaboration among teachers, this research aims to provide valuable insights into effective strategies for promoting teacher agency and fostering inclusive learning environments for all students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Post-Pandemic Social Challenges Faced by Teachers In Indian Classrooms

This project sought to investigate the impact of extreme weather-induced school closures on teachers’ well-being and the academic environment in Delhi. Drawing on recent data indicating a significant loss of working school days due to weather conditions, coupled with the prevailing toxic culture of prioritizing academic grades at all costs, the study aimed to identify the challenges faced by overworked and stressed teachers.

Through a mixed-methods approach encompassing surveys, interviews, and international literature reviews, the research aimed to uncover the specific impacts of weather-related closures on teachers’ workload, stress levels, and job satisfaction, while also proposing evidence-based strategies to mitigate these challenges and enhance educational resilience.

Shaping Futures Through Impact-Based Research

Aawaaz is committed to conducting pioneering research to identify gaps in pedagogy, policy or praxis