India is a nation which where world renowned scientists such as C V Raman, J C Bose, and Aryabhatta were born. But when it comes to science education in schools, we were forced to follow the British system of education. Early leaders of India, mainly Jawaharlal Nehru realized the importance of science education for the development of the country and took initatives to start various science and technology institutes. Even though the steps taken were not systematic, it was able to produce a community of scientist that has led the developmental efforts of the nation.

Practical learning neglected

In an attempt to increase the number of scientists, the government started to add more and more content inthe syllabus, neglecting practical learning. The theoretical learning is not backed by any activity based learning and thus students were forced to memorize the facts that were presented to then in the form of textbooks. As a result, science subjects were found to be difficult and of no interest to the students. There are little attempts being made from the part of the concerned authorities to bring about changes in the outdated system of learning.

Either medicine or engineering

In India there are only two options that students and their parents consider while opting for science education. After students finish their 12th grade education, they are on the fight to secure an admission in an engineering college or medical college. There are aware of just three areas, medicine, engineering, and information technology. The students who do not take up any of the above courses are considered to be losers by the society.

Students lack motivation

Most of the students who go for science subjects after their 12th grade do so without any motivation to excel. This is the case with those who are extremely talented and their main objective is to clear the exams, secure good marks and find a good paying job. Courses such as B. Sc and M. Sc are the gateway to research. A bachelor or master in science is actually designed to create an interest in science and thus motive the students to take up a research career. But such a trend is rarely visible in the present day education system. Only a very few pursue B. Sc or M. Sc in the present day and the number of students who pursue a career in research is increasingly low. Even if a student wishes to pursue a career in research, the syllabus and the method of learning adopted in the institutions de-motivate the students from taking up such as career.

In order to motivate and encourage the students to take up a career in research in the field of science, institutions should come up with specific programmes that will prepare the students to take up research seriously. It should open up the opportunities and possibilities in the area of scientific research that will motive the students. The institutions should make sure that the programmes are not boring And are nterest to the students.

Updating the syllabus

The syllabus of the science courses should be modified and the universities should make sure that students get exposed to practical sessions on the topics they learn. This will make the subjects interesting for them and will acquire a deeper level of understanding about the subjects. The government should develop a mechanism with the help of various science and technology bodies in India to spearhead the science education in the country. They should ensure that the syllabus is updated from time to time with proper attention to practical learning.

No role models

In the present day scientific community in India, there are very less or no role models that the students admire of. Here teachers have greater role to play. Teachers should open up the interesting world of science making use of different teaching techniques so that students will find it interesting to learn. Teachers should adopt an activity based teaching that will help the students to understand the concepts rather than memorizing them. This requires qualified and talented teachers, who are passionate about teaching. Close attention should be paid while selecting teachers and they should be selected strictly based on their capability and merit.

Learning science in local language

A move that will have a greater impact on the science education is the teaching of science in local languages. In most of the states Science is taught in English, except for government schools. In most of the states, parents like to send their children to private English medium schools. With the kind of teaching they receive in such schools, they neither learn English or local language properly. As a result when they start to learn science using English language, they are not able to understand the concepts and theories properly. This again forces them to memorize what is given in the textbooks or what the teachers dictate as notes. When they grow up the habit of memorizing grows with them and lacks understanding of the basics. This calls for the need of teaching science in local languages. Just think about such a generation of students becoming teachers and teaching the next generation students.

Use of technology

Technology can, to a certain extend make the science education more interesting and effective. This includes the use of internet, computer, projectors and speakers in classrooms. Internet is the largest library of any subjects. This can be utilized inside the class rooms to improve the teaching and learning process. Graphical representations and videos related to various concepts and theories in science are available over the internet. Teachers can make use of such supporting factors to aid the process of teaching. It can used to explain complex concepts and theorems and thus make the whole process interesting to students. This will improve the understanding of the students and thus make science subjects more interesting to students.

We cannot expect to transform science education in a month’s time or so. It needs planned effort from the part of the government, universities, colleges and teachers to develop a comprehensive strategy to revive the science education in India. Let us hope that this will start within the next five years so that we will not be left behind in the world of science and technology innovation.