Science is a field of study that includes a systematic and logical approach to discovering how things in the universe work. It is also the body of knowledge accumulated through the discoveries about all the things in the universe. In general, science is a system of knowledge and its pursuit through unbiased observations and systematic experimentation.
Unfortunately, we have noticed that in the recently declared Nagaland University three years undergraduate course, out of 6770 students who appeared, 5904 were from the Arts stream, a staggering 87.2% while the other four streams of B.Sc, B.Com, BBA and BCA comprised of a combined figure of a paltry 12.8% or 866 students.
This makes us wonder why the enrolment in science degree courses is still unpopular among the students even though it has existed in our education system as early as other arts subjects.
Is it all to contribute to the cliché saying that we have developed a phobia against science and math subjects? Or, is it the lack of science colleges in the state? Or, is it because our students are just too lazy? Or, could it be that the problem lies in the way science is being taught and perceived by society?
It is often seen that high school students end up their school career without stepping into a science practical lab most of the time. Science, like all streams, is broad but science helps the students in becoming inquisitive and curious and helps them in the ability to reason things out rationally and logically.
However, despite Science being such an asset, especially with technology taking the world by storm, the inability to transmit knowledge from science textbooks by teachers to students is one of the major reasons why students lack interest in the subject, especially during the students’ formative years.
Along with it, the lack of government’s enthusiasm towards science education and its flawed policy that always neglects science also contribute to it even more. The fact that there is only one Government College that is entirely dedicated to science education so far says a lot about our science culture.
The almost dying science and technology department where every financial year, not more than Rs.3 crore of the budget is allocated, as seen in FY 2021-2022, is another evidence to argue that government must do more for science education.
Science teaches one to think analytically, and solve problems, and it is the key driver for any economic growth in a global economy. It is crucial to work on developing scientific temperament in the society and to inculcate science education effectively and practically.
The lack of interest in science subjects is a reflection of where we as a society is today and why we are losing out on opportunities and, therefore, the effort to generate interest in science studies among our youngsters must be addressed urgently.
