Report on the evaluation of STEM Programme done for the Soulace Consultants Date: 18-06-2025

St. Philomena’s College (Autonomous), Mysuru

Department of PG Studies and Research in Social Work

Report on the evaluation of STEM Programme done for the Soulace Consultants
Date: 18-06-2025

The Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Social Work carried out a third-party evaluation of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiative implemented by the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM). This initiative, which also includes the Aqriti outreach programme, is designed to provide rural students with improved access to experiential, technology-based learning. It focuses on key academic subjects such as science, mathematics, and social science, while also addressing important areas like life skills and career guidance. The programme targets students from government schools in Saragur Taluk, Mysuru District, with the goal of reducing the urban-rural educational divide through hands-on and inquiry-based learning approaches.

To conduct this evaluation, a team of 11 MSW students and 01 faculty member from the department collaborated with Soulace, a consultancy. The team adopted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with various stakeholders, including parents and SDMC members of students enrolled in the programme, as well as with primary and high school students who participated in the STEM and Aqriti sessions. These discussions provided valuable insights into community perceptions, student experiences, and the impact of the programme on learning outcomes.

In addition to FGDs, face-to-face interviews were conducted with students using Google Forms to capture individual perspectives in a structured and standardized format. Feedback from science and mathematics teachers at the higher-primary and high school levels was also gathered to assess the academic relevance and effectiveness of the STEM content and teaching methods. Furthermore, an infrastructure checklist was used to evaluate the availability and condition of class rooms, science labs, digital tools, and other learning resources essential for STEM education.

The evaluation was conducted across six rural schools in Saragur Taluk, including those located in the villages of Itna, Hebbalaguppe, and Thumbasoge. These schools were chosen to provide a representative sample of the rural educational environment in the region. The findings of the evaluation offer valuable input for enhancing the reach, quality, and impact of STEM education in rural Karnataka. Moreover, the participation of MSW students in this field-based research experience enriched their academic learning and exposed them to real-world challenges in educational development and community engagement.

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