The learner writes an ethnographic study of community institutions. Our learners have written riveting accounts of public institutions like schools, hospitals, community health centers, and Livelihood institutions like CLFs, and SHGs.
Reading and preparation for discussion is crucial for the classroom sessions. To aid in discussion, each Praxis Learner will be responsible for a weekly/ monthly discussion question or comment (no more than 100 words) responding to the week’s/ month’s readings and framing questions for in-class discussions. In the monthly format, this can include author/ book reviews as well.
During the Practicum component, learners are expected to submit reflection papers (3-4 pages, single-spaced) on the tasks assigned to them in that particular phase of the Practicum. The paper will consist of the Graduates’ instructional and observational learnings acquired through the course of their work. This paper will have to be submitted every 3 months at a mutually agreed date and time.
Learners are expected to produce a policy brief (2 pager, double-spaced) on the particular problem statement/ intervention that they have identified in the first 6 months of the Practicum component. The policy brief should provide context for the identified intervention, and address urgency through evidence-based research, current policy approaches, and policy recommendations.
In the second year of the programme, Praxis learners are expected to produce one opinion piece of 750 words. This opinion piece may be published in a recognized publication with the support of the programme team. The opinion piece should have a convincing pitch of the issue at hand. The evaluation for this assignment is limited to sending the opinion piece for publication. The actual publication of the piece has no reflection on the grades provided.
One of the ways to get better visibility for critical ideas is by conducting a topical seminar such that it reaches a wider audience. Every year in August, Transform Rural India conducts the India Rural Colloquy where a slot will be given to a group of 3-4 learners. The learners will have to come up with an exciting session blurb, identify key speakers for conducting a stimulating discussion, employ relevant outreach strategies (social media, press release, etc.) as well as reach out to relevant stakeholders who will be participating in the seminar.
At the end of the 2-year programme, learners are expected to submit a dissertation (35 pages, double-spaced). The dissertation should consist of the summary and analysis of the tasks given in the practicum component. It should consist of 4 chapters – Context, Diagnosis, Treatment, & Impact.
