I AM observing the current public criticism thrown at the DidikTV teacher who conducted a science lesson on the reproductive system. As a science communicator and advocate, I think we have all gone off tangent on this issue.
The flaw was not her proficiency in English. We do not need Queen’s English to teach Math and Science or any other subject or even to secure a job and excel in it. Having said this, any medium of instruction has to be devoid of misinterpretation and be easily comprehensible. My disappointment stems from the way the lesson was conducted, the involvement of the teacher, her enthusiasm and presentation style and even content and accuracy.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
She should not take the blame fully as even if she is an excellent teacher, standing in front of a camera can be daunting, what more when the content is meant to be viewed by the entire nation. This could be her first science communication stint. I have seen how very competent and accomplished scientists also find it difficult to explain their research when the camera is focused on them. I conduct training for scientists to communicate their research and it takes so much of practice before they are at ease to speak naturally in a storytelling manner.
The Ministry of Education should have invested some funding to train teachers and the return of investment goes a long way in making science exciting, to be part of our culture and lifestyle and in inspiring students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The content has to be interactive, animated, made relevant to everyday life, and more importantly science-based, and presented in a storytelling manner. I do not see any of these elements incorporated.
One glaring non-factual information given was that man and woman must be married to be able to have a child. While I see this as being morally correct but it is scientifically flawed. This type of pseudoscience should have no place in our curriculum. Our cultural and religious values should be a part of the teachers’ teaching plan where they can be imparted during the lesson itself.
In order to inculcate interest and passion towards STEM, let us look at the content and presentation style and not merely medium of instruction. I am very surprised that the language caught everyone’s attention and not the delivery of the subject.
Science and mathematics are extremely fascinating though many perceive these subjects to be complicating and boring. I hope they can be made fun-filled, exciting and relevant.[/ihc-hide-content]
