Developing temper of science among rural students

Instructor demonstrating a project

This case is an educational experiment conducted in six randomly selected rural schools in Sehore district of the State of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The idea of popularisation of science was implemented using “knowledge network” among budding school children in these schools in a phased manner. The acceptance or rejection of the “idea” of studying science was closely observed during the project implementation. The project implemented was granted by the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India and implemented through National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training & Research, Bhopal and Department of Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

It was observed during the initial survey for project casting in 2011 that rural students have very little or no affinity towards learning science. The high school result of 17 rural schools indicated that 72% students performed poorly (having less than 50% marks in science subjects) in last three years. The project idea cropped up during the study that to develop interest of the rural students in learning science. The project on “Rural Knowledge Network through Vigyan evm Vichar Sanchar Kendras” (Science Information Communication Centres) (VVSK) addresses the issues of dissemination of scientific information to the grass root level using ICT. 

Students working on project at Regional Science centre, Bhopal

To study the interest of the rural students towards learning science and developing positive attitude towards learning science, three phases were devised for the implementation, namely awareness phase, engagement phase and assimilation phase. The students were engaged in “Karo aur Seekho” (do & learn) in these three phases to gain insight and interest in the activities conducted.

To advance the student’s interest further in learning science, it was also decided to develop a “Knowledge Network” a portal to be made available on web with learning material in the form of narration, pictures and videos to help students from class 6^th to class 12^th. In addition to material of science, this portal also contained information on health, agriculture and marketing of agriculture produce. This was done with the intention of attracting not only students but also other rural masses in learning useful information. All the activities were documented through questionnaires, observation sheets, video films and pictures.

Teacher explaining science concept

The project provided multiple learning experiences in developing a positive attitude among rural children. Students in rural areas have inherent aversion towards studies. This is due to the socio-economic framework, lack of resources in the schools, poorly trained teachers and lack of motivation and appreciation for learning. This leads further to rising level of dropouts and increase in number of poorly motivated students. This project has given significant indicators to develop conducive, purposeful and sustainable learning experiences for the students to make a dent in their life.

Students viewing science lessons

Creative persons are distinguished more by interest, attitude, values, motives and drive than intellectual ability alone. It was observed during the implementation of the project that the students in the rural areas have ample incubated urge to learn and excel. In the initial Phase of implementation of project encouraged the non-participating group of students to actively and enthusiastically involve in creating a competitive learning environment. Students have to be helped by the teachers to cultivate varied interest areas including games and play, flexibility, open-mindedness, spirit of cooperation but competition, a desire to achieve something extraordinary and derive psychic satisfaction out of such accomplishment comes from the learning environment created by students themselves.

Home page of the Software based package

This project also provides clue to develop creativity among rural students. It was proved at times that positive learning environment inculcated cooperative learning and drives out inhibitions thus creating a band of active learners. The rural students have inherent desire to learn which is comparable with the urban students and have capacity to excel. They need to be provided with the opportunity, resources and motivation.