Shiksha Samachar: Challenges Facing Education in 21 Century

Challenges Facing Education in 21 Century
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Rizwan Khan on 20/02/2013 23:45:00


NEW DELHI: While countries around the world focus on the improvement of science
and mathematics teaching and learning, one of the primary concerns seems to be
the quality of education in schools and increasing the employability prospects
of young people.
With this in mind, British Council India, in partnership with NCERT and Unesco,
organised a global policy dialogue in the Capital on January 9 and 10. The
event, 'Science and Mathematics Education in Schools - The Way Forward,' through
interactions and discussions, aims to enrich learning environment in schools and
help young people develop skills and knowledge to succeed in a 21century
globalised world.
Senior policy level officials, education sector experts and practitioners from
different countries, discussed and deliberated upon issues of widening the scope
of science and mathematics education, supporting future-ready learning of
science and mathematics and motivating and empowering young people to succeed in
science and mathematics.
As to the challenges of teaching science and mathematics, Annette Smith, CEO,
Association of Science Education, said that they need to be addressed at
government and policy level, at national level and in individual classrooms.
Good practices must be followed to ensure that teaching and learning becomes
enjoyable for both the teacher and student.
At the classroom level, students must engage with questions, be aware of what
they are learning and what is expected of them. They must be involved in
learning that is inclusive, added Smith. In fact, she reiterated, it is
imperative that teachers are equipped with right skills and training.
At the Imperial College London, for instance , professors hold classes for
school teachers to help them expand their knowledge-base. "We also have a Reach
Out Lab for school children. In this lab, school students come for free, spend
time and learn about science from PG students and professors. This way, we reach
out to schools, which may not have good provisions ," said Sir Keith O'Nions ,
Rector, Imperial College London.
Speakers included Shigeru Aoyagi, director of Unesco Office in New Delhi, and
Parvin Sinclair, director, NCERT, among others.
Source : Times of India