Cognition, Learning, and Innovation in Pedagogy (CLIP) Lab

About CLIP

The Cognition, Learning, and Innovation in Pedagogy (CLIP) Lab is housed within the Department of Cognitive Science at IIT Kanpur. The lab focuses on uncovering the learning processes, focusing on the underlying cognitive strategies that learners employ while trying to solve a problem. We study these strategies by closely observing and studying learners' thinking and reasoning processes as they try to make sense of concepts. Our process analyses result in the discovery of learning pathways that have both diagnostic and pedagogical implications. 

Look at the publications page to get a sense of the work that the lab specializes in. All queries related to the CLIP lab should be directed to anveshna@iiitk.ac.in. 

Research positions, starting July 2025, at the CLIP Lab

I am looking for motivated and gritty PhD/Master students with an interdisciplinary bent of mind and interest in questions related to learners' thinking and reasoning abilities. Interested candidates should apply for the relevant programs in the Department of Cognitive Science at IIT Kanpur. The selected candidate will be eligible to work with me on ongoing research projects or initiate a new project based on the overlap of our interests.  

Who can apply?

For PhD positions, candidates with a Master's degree in Sciences/Cognitive Science/Educational Technology who have cleared the GATE/NET/COGJET exam can apply. Preference will be given to students who have prior training in empirical research methods or worked in field settings. I encourage you to apply if your research questions revolve around characterization, assessment, or improvement of the learning process using cognitive insights and capitalizing on various technological interfaces. 

How to apply?

Potential PhD students should apply for the Ph.D. program in the Department of Cognitive Science at IIT Kanpur. The application deadline will be announced soon. See the institute's PG admission portal for details guidelines on how to apply: https://www.iitk.ac.in/doaa/pgadmission/

The admission process will consist of a written examination followed by an interview. The written exam will test applicants for research aptitude. The requirements and application procedure are available on this page: https://www.cgs.iitk.ac.in/PhD_Program.php. 

Ongoing & potential projects: 

•Computational Thinking (CT)

i) Using unplugged (no digital device) methods to characterize, assess, and improve CT in middle schoolers.

• See: ICCE 2024. 

ii) Using unplugged simple methods with teachers to assess, characterize their CT, and to help them integrate CT strategies/methods into their teaching.

•Spatial Perspective Taking (SPT):

i) Measuring the impact of an Augmented Reality tool (GeoSolvAR) on students’ SPT ability

• See: BJET 2024

ii) Studying neural markers of spatial perspective taking using GeoSolvAR. 

•Conceptual understanding:

i) Understanding how tasks based on 'what if..?' reasoning processes or 'counterfactual reasoning’ impacts scientific understanding of concepts (current focus on genetics and ecology)

 Drop me an email to inquire more about the research projects or share your potential proposals.