Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP), situated in New Delhi, offers a flagship programme in Public Policy, Design & Management for candidates interested in making an impact in the policy sphere. The institution approached ASER Centre to conduct a workshop for students to learn survey methodology and to gain data collection and analysis experience.

As part of this workshop, a census survey was carried out in an urban ward in Delhi. A total of 140 households were surveyed where 230 children aged 3 to 16 years were surveyed. 16 surveyors from the ISPP’s Post Graduate Program were trained to conduct this survey. The data collected was also analysed by the students themselves. The aim is also to go beyond analysing the data and use it to develop programs to improve learning levels after the training with support from Pratham. Further, this survey will be carried out by the subsequent batches to track the children’s progress (Trends over Time) and continue activities to improve the quality of education.

During the course of this workshop, the students were trained on survey design and processes. They learnt the importance of the information being collected and how to fill the survey sheets. They were also given demos on how to sensitively approach the respondents (parents/guardians, children). Additionally, the students underwent the mandatory session on Pratham’s Child Safeguarding policy, consent and confidentiality.