Poor science education killing interest in subject: Study

Updated on: Monday, July 11, 2011

For years, pure science has been relegated to the backroom and engineering courses lapped up anyone with even the slightest knowledge in physics, chemistry and math. But now there is a feeling that technology can help revive science.

A day-long round table conference by the Observer Research Foundation — "Whither Science Education in Indian Colleges Today" — discussed problems in science education and the ways to revive it. "We know quality is a huge concern. Teaching has to be improved. But I feel we have not used technology enough to deliver quality science education ," said Ashok Jhunjhunwala, member of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.

Referring to Khan Academy, a nonprofit online school, Jhunjhunwala said something similar needed to be designed for science education. An ORF report on the state of science education across the country highlighted the poor quality of teaching, inadequate infrastructure, curricula that are disconnected with industry needs, lack of funding and absence of academic autonomy as reasons for deterioration in science education.

The report drew from interviews with principals, teachers, educations, researchers and students from 21 colleges and four universities in Maharashtra , Chennai and Delhi.

Teachers at St Xavier's College said they were enjoying the freedom that came with academic autonomy. The college is starting a course on communication skills for second year BSc students. "We will teach students how to read and write science reports and publish reports in journals. We are also encouraging small research projects in laboratories to apply techniques that they have learnt," said college faculty Radiya Pacha Gupta.

" India needs to invest in infrastructure and people. Engineering graduates are increasing, but science graduates are declining. We need to revamp science education," said Catarina Correia from ORF, who is heading the study.

Times of India

Poor science education killing interest in subject: Study

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