Sanjib Katuwal (H.O.D)
Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama
Science is the investigation of natural phenomena through observation, experimentation, and theoretical explanation. Science makes use of the scientific method which includes the careful observation of natural phenomena, the formulation of a hypothesis, and the drawing of a conclusion that confirms or modifies the hypothesis. Science is extremely important in everyday life because there is not one aspect of daily life that science has not made easier, faster or safer. The most powerful example is the importance of electricity; the scientific discovery of a method for harnessing electric energy changed people’s lives forever.
Study of science is not as popular in Nagaland as few schools or colleges offer science. I found that mathematics, chemistry, physics is less preferred. Most students are afraid of these subjects. Students are infused from their childhood to fear science; most of us try to memorize those concepts without digesting and understanding the concept because of the lack of basic concept. In my perspective choosing a science stream will give you a good job and there are many opportunities. I am not saying that Arts or Commerce don’t have good jobs but science jobs are given more preference in this scientifically advanced world. I don’t want to point to this as the main reason why there is so much of unemployment in this land but this might just be another factor. According to the annual status of education report, 2014, 74 per cent of Class V students in Nagaland find it difficult to do basic maths and hardly 21 per cent pursue science after Class X. This may be because of lack of resources or opportunities in the state.
In my opinion there are three ways to overcome this:
1. By improving teaching methodology: As a teacher we need to make even unattractive subjects attractive with innovative teaching and interesting classroom activities so that students take a keen interest in studies. Learning of any skill is easier when students can see clearly what it's good for, and how it makes their lives easier rather than more difficult. This is the opportunity to bring in examples that are linked to students' lives. To make them learn the subject first we need to earn their trust. Unless they trust us they are unapproachable. We earn our student’s trust by showing them respect in the form of meaningful, challenging, and rewarding learning activities that are worthy of their time and efforts.
2. By mentoring students: A mentoring relationship is a close, individualised relationship that develops over time between a student and a teacher and that includes both caring and guidance. Task of a mentor are: a. Identify the weak student and meet them personally. b. Ask their problems. c. Engage student in ongoing conversation. d. Provide constructive support and feedback. e. Look out for student’s interest. f. Treat students with respect.
Mentoring is important, not only because of the knowledge and skills students can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides professional socialization and personal support to facilitate success among students. Quality mentoring greatly enhances student’s chances for success.
3. By creating career opportunity: In Nagaland there are hardly any medical and engineering colleges. There is limited number of industries. If any student clears medical or engineering entrance exam, they need to go out from the state for their studies. If student’s gets opportunity to study medical or engineering courses in the state than that will bring curiosity among the youth of Nagaland to study science. If students finish their under graduate course and wants to go for post graduate course, it becomes very difficult to get admitted in the state because few institute offers master course in the field of science. Another most important thing to bring change among youth society is to bring more industries. If we can bring more industries than students can learn things practically which they are learning theoretically.
Thus, to bring the change of minds of the youth firstly, we teacher need to play important role. We need to guide our student’s properly. We need to think in which way student’s can learn the subject in proper manner. Secondly, government should take the initiative to bring medical college, engineering college, industries, science research centre etc which will give opportunity to youth and create curiosity among themselves to learn science. By doing this I believe that society will reach a greater height in the field of science and technology.
