Government's measures to promote learning of science and mathematics in schools

New Delhi, July 30: Ministry of Human Resource Development has said that some interventions under Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (RAA) for promotion of science were strengthening school Science and Mathematics laboratories, Science Fair/Exhibition and Talent Search at district level; provision of mathematics and science kits to schools, visit of students to higher educational institutions and learning enhancement of students.

The scheme was launched in July 2015, across School Education and Higher Education to encourage children towards learning Science and Mathematics through activities related to Science and Mathematics.

Minister of State HRD Upendra Kushwaha responded to the Lok Sabha question that National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog under Atal Innovation Mission is establishing Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across the country. The objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in young minds; and inculcate skills such as design mindset, computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing etc.

During last three years, an amount of Rs 952.47 crore has been approved for In-service Teacher training of Maths and Science teachers at upper primary level, learning enhancement programme, computer aided learning and innovations under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). Further, an amount of Rs. 425.39 crore has been approved for in-service training of science and maths teachers, remedial teaching, provision of science and maths kits, science exhibitions etc under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA).

The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005, suggested a paradigm shift in science education in India. As per NCF 2005, inquiry skills should be supported and strengthened by language, design and quantitative skills. Schools should place much greater emphasis on activities aimed at stimulating investigative ability, inventiveness, creativity and transfer of learning in varied situations.

The perspective of NCF-2005, on science has been translated into syllabi, textbooks and teacher support material developed by the National Council of Educational Research And Training (NCERT).

The NCERT has continuously been building the capacity of science teachers and teacher educators at the secondary stage for content and pedagogies which promote inquiry, thinking and problem-solving skills in students. NCERT also conducts National Science Exhibition every year to further promote scientific temper among students.