A Qualitative Study Informing the Educational Content of an Indian TV Program (Galli Galli Sim Sim)

• In Event: Learning and Thinking Through/With/By Media

Abstract

This study was designed to provide recommendations for the educational content of Galli Galli Sim Sim, a children’s television program in India A mixed-method study was conducted with 203 Indian experts in Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, from December 2014 to March 2015. Experts completed surveys and participated in extensive one-on-one interviews addressing educational issues relevant to children aged 3-7 years. Interviews were digitally recorded transcribed, translated and qualitatively analyzed. Across all cities, four thematic categories emerged: (1) School Issues - developmentally appropriate teaching and methods; (2) Children’s difficulty with learning; (3) Family/parent issues; and (4) Resources and infrastructure. New educational topics that should be taught were grouped together under nine broad content areas: Arts and Crafts; Child Protection/ Safety/Gender Issues; Computers/Technology; Cultural Studies; Environmental Health; Ethics/Manners; Health and Nutrition; Physical Activity; and, Religion/Meditation. Experts can inform the educational content of a children television program.

Authors

• Dina L. G. Borzekowski, Univ. of Maryland, Sch of Public Health

• Donna Howard, U of Maryland

• Deepti Mehrotra, Policy Innovations