MOKOKCHUNG TIMES FEATURE | NOVEMBER 13
Things science educators describe are so intrinsically odd and interesting — atoms, molecules, principles explaining the unity of life and origins of the cosmos — but how much of it is being truly imparted to school children and students in Mokokchung?
Mokokchung Times interacted with some teachers and tutors alike where the majority of them had only one thing to say, “we need better schools, colleges, and coaching centers” and among those, science aficionados had the most concerning responses.
According to Aka, who has a master’s degree in mathematics and a learning enthusiast, students are studying despite not being motivated.
“This is not to discourage teachers, but many teachers and lecturers have little idea beyond the topic on the syllabus and are unable to explain or use examples to better illustrate the subject. The main goal is simply to pass the exam,” he said.
He further added that science as a whole is undervalued and that although science is regarded as ‘prestigious’ in school, there are no opportunities after that.
“There isn’t even an educational channel among the locals on YouTube, Instagram, or any of the other platforms,” he said, suggesting lack of opportunities and interest.
“I believe education needs a revolution, but science, in particular, does not exist in our society,” he rued.
Chuba, a research scholar believes that science is still a bookish concern in Nagaland.
“Science is the subject of investigation, observation, and experimentation. To advance in science, we require an environment in which logic may coexist with experimentation. Science is still a bookish concern here in Nagaland,” he stated, adding that it is impossible to comprehend science solely through words.
Children never learn the depth of the subject merely with words, he claims. “It is difficult to imagine what we have never experienced, and this is where most students fail to establish an interest in the subject,” he said.
“Most schools in Mokokchung do not even have a basic laboratory, nor do we have the resources to present science visually. As a result, kids leave school without understanding the complexity of science, and their scientific thought falls short,” he continued.
He regretted that science education in the town is “good theoretically but practically not so” and that “science education should be about how the students learn and not whether the syllabus is finished.”
“When comparing our education 10 years ago and now, teachers are more dedicated and try to teach students in a way that the latter understand their subjects. Students who are interested in studying science are overly excited about mastering it. But what I feel is that we need comprehensive learning,” said Apong, a science teacher.
Meanwhile, Wati, a political science graduate, observed, “No one is interested in discussing any government policy, whether it is economic or social policies – its pros and cons; we are always talking about corruption and backdoors, but you will rarely see a policy being considered with research, analysis, and critical thought.”
Mokokchung has suffered a setback in more than just schooling. Education sector has suffered a setback in Mokokchung as students migrate out of town for further study as was reported in one of Mokokchung Times’ reports, ‘Why do young people leave Mokokchung?’
Recognizing that education is the path to success for any community, Mokokchung Times had more people to consult with in order to understand how a society should react to a flawed system.
Concerns were shared by the locals that Nagaland has very few technical colleges and quite a small number of industries.
“Students that pass medical or engineering admission exams leave the state, reducing Naga youth’s desire to study science which reduces the opportunity for those science enthusiasts to come together and discuss ideas and inspire the younger ones. The brain pool is missing,” said Along, a B.Tech graduate.
He also pointed out that Students end up going outside the state for post-graduate courses because obtaining admission in Nagaland was difficult because only few colleges in Nagaland provide master courses in science.
“Furthermore, without industries, students have no way to practice their skills,” Along continued, adding that Nagaland has only a few research institutes.
“To instill a love of science in the minds of today’s youth, teachers must first play a vital role in correctly mentoring children” Jamir, a tutor and an owner of a coaching center himself remarked.
“Of course, the government should take the initiative to establish medical colleges, engineering colleges, companies, science research centres, and other facilities that will provide opportunities for kids and spark their interest in learning science,” he added.
However, according to him, it is the community and society as a whole that has the biggest roles to play, which is crucial.
“You see, there isn’t a single thing that science hasn’t improved to make life easier. Let’s say electricity, look at how finding ways to harness it has changed people’s lives for the better,” he cited.
‘In order to solve a scientific problem, the community must proactively adopt a scientific mindset and consult with science specialists in the community. People with scientific expertise and those from the community must collaborate for the good of the community,” he added.
In conclusion, he cited Carl Sagan’s famous quote, “We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.”
(Banner Image: iStock by Getty Images)