the goan I network
PANAJI
School science teachers from across the state who had gathered at the Maquinez Palace for a workshop on the “Challenges and Prospects of Science Education in Goa” were encouraged to use more a more practical approach to science in the classroom.
The workshop included a lecture by renowned scientist Dr Sharad Kale, and later, a panel discussion which included SCERT director Nagaraj Honnekeri, former chairman of the Goa Board Jose Rebello, and others.
Honnekeri encouraged the teachers to do simple experiments with their students, and told them that they could ask the SCERT for help whenever needed.
Don’t rely on text book
“Students interest in science will build once teachers do activities with them. Science is not only about the textbook,” said Honnekeri, adding that activities should be as essential as breathing for teachers.
“Start with one or two minute activities, and don’t rely on the text book,”he urged. “When you go to a class, you should be free from support of textbooks. Take your own notes and flow charts. This will help you to grow. The moment you take your textbook, learning stops,” he told the teachers.
Rebello meanwhile encouraged teachers to first be learners and thoroughly study the subjects which they taught.
Referring to some teachers who gave away important chapters to BEd interns to teach, Rebello said that the same should not be encouraged.
“Not even 10 per cent Science High School teachers are qualified in Physics and Chemistry,” said the former Board chairman who said such data was available with the Board. “However, even if you are not qualified in the subjects, you have to learn and teach it and not leave it to the BEd interns,” he said.
The teachers meanwhile, were not impressed by the advice doled out to them, claiming that such ideal situations could not be enforced in a classroom situation, where teachers had to handle an entire class.
Not practical
‘The Goan’ spoke to two teachers following the workshop, who expressed that these suggestions weren’t practical.
“We know what we face in class. We can’t go completely without the textbook as was suggested, as finally, the students are questioned and graded only on what is present in the textbook,” said the two teachers.
They were however full of praise for Dr Kale.
“He really put his soul into the lecture. His knowledge was practical and what we can use as teachers,” they said. One of the teachers’ taught students of Class 6 to 10, whereas the other taught
Std 8 -10.
