Chemical Education Journal (CEJ), Vol. 15 No 1 Registration No. 15-2/Received June 22, 2013._
URL = http://chem.sci.utsunomiya-u.ac.jp/cejrnlE.html


Additional Perspectives to an Exciting Science Educational Experience
- Part-II, -An Indian Context

 

B. H. S. THIMMAPPA*

*Department of Chemistry, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal-576104, India

bhs.thimsmanipal.edu

Abstract
It is important and meaningful for the learners to develop a desire for learning through lecture, laboratory, library and life. Promoting scientific education for future technology would severely impact society and provide vision for the future. Proper educational perspectives are essential to enhance teaching-learning interactions that prepare the future generation of innovative leaders, lifelong learners, responsible citizens, entrepreneurs, decision makers and problem solvers. Some perspectives are presented in this paper that help in gaining knowledge and practical experience essential for the overall growth of the individual and enhance the level of collective responsibility to provide progress in a particular direction. The change in mindset of people is a real intellectual challenge and the change in the way people think can make a difference to enhance maturity level for decision-making, anticipating consequences, rewards and risks involved. Some tasks for higher education to improve our society are highlighted and partial solutions to prepare younger generation to have great vision are suggested.

Key Words: Teaching-Learning Interactions, Educational Perspectives, Exciting Learning Experience, Training the Intelligence, Higher Education Reforms


Contents

Background Information

Human Resource Development

Learning beyond Boundaries

Inspiration by Books

Visual Education

Laboratory and Life

Policy Matters

Essential Elements

Miscellaneous Perspectives

Future Prospects

References

Appendix 1

Appendix 2


Background Information

We have a growing youth population in India comprising nearly 66 % of the total population and they are the hope of the future. Thanks to advances in technology, the quality of teaching-learning and classroom interactions have definitely improved over the past decade particularly in the higher education sector. To develop a sense of perspective, the younger generation is lucky to reap the benefits of technology sitting in the classroom. The importance or relevance of the topic in question revolves around an alternative learning experience and higher education in India needs drastic reforms. Until we are exposed to different perspectives our mind is conditioned to think linearly. Subject discussions and debate are essential to create performance-oriented people through a cognitive process. We need to be exposed to several ideas that can be adapted easily to the education delivery systems in the country and help us to rethink basic science and engineering science education. The powerful transformational resource materials in our lives require a stream of technology and nurturing new inventions eventually evolve into empowering technologies. When we read a point of view, we extrapolate at a level based upon our own experience and different perspectives may trigger non-linear thinking. In this connection, it is important to provide proper perspectives to provoke our thought processes that significantly influence each of our actions. Sometimes, the process is more fascinating than the end result in boosting our brain functioning and the most significant part is that what we think and practice today provides the roadmap for the future social growth. The modern system of education must allow the individuals to develop particular critical thinking capabilities, creative ideas and ideals, practical and pragmatic approaches, qualities and virtues, ethical and social justice, standards and values based on their inclination and intellectual strength. In today's technology driven world, it is essential to harness research potential in higher educational institutions in the country.

A good education plays a pivotal role in the nation-building process by opening new vistas of valuable knowledge and information to experience a dynamic transformation. The future rapid progress of a country mainly depends on constructive contributions of its educated and good citizens as they are strong pillars of the society. Life-long learning, growing and changing are essential principles of success and high impact education should send the right message across the nation by providing a variety of practical and implementable perspectives on innovative education (Scheme 1). In our previous article on perspectives on technology enhanced learning and teaching for an exciting learning experience, we have discussed in detail about the PowerPoint presentations, open source articles, lateral learning materials, supplementary materials, problem based learning, multimedia solutions and miscellaneous methods such as process-oriented guided inquiry learning, open courseware [1-7]. In this article various academic perspectives other than those covered in the earlier article are outlined briefly but the microscopic details can be obtained from the references cited and the list of science educational journals in Appendix-1. In a broader sense, it is about introducing education with a difference, conducting special activities to make an impact, change in mindsets of people, development of higher order thinking skills, influence of thought processes on the readers, tangible benefits of better education, minimizing pollution of the environment, promotion of sustainable development and a journey through exploration of perspectives. The subject matter of this paper is broadly categorized into background information, human resource development, learning beyond boundaries, inspiration from books, visual education, laboratory and life, policy matters, essential elements, miscellaneous perspectives and future prospects for the convenience of discussion. This paper is intended primarily for college students, academic practitioners and science educators. It will also be of interest to, among others, practicing scientists, teacher trainees, student teachers and educational researchers and they can bring new relevance, motivation and value addition in teaching-learning interactions. In particular, it emphasizes the importance of certain additional and different perspectives to an exciting science educational experience in an Indian context and paradigm shift in the approach to education that can lead to sustainable learning outcomes in higher education.

Scheme 1. A perspective in nutshell for higher education beyond the ordinary

Human Resource Development

We emphasize the need for a critical perspective on sensitizing readers to constant challenges for the actual implementation of much needed educational reforms in the long-term national interest. This provides important clues about how to have a broader perspective that is more effective to cause a specific change in academic circles and bring about meaningful transformation in the present perception involving innovative methods. The detailed implementation of new and suitable alternative micro-level educational ideas that will eventually deliver macro-level development should be considered. It is clear that a concrete plan of action with attention to detail is required to get breakthrough innovations to file patents, convert ideas into prototypes to tangible products and breakthrough research outputs to publish in standard journals. As there are no quick-fix formulas to achieve these goals, a systematic development of educational structure that acts as a precursor for better things to follow is essential. The different perspectives will help set the tone for how educated society can take the rest on the right path to change the state of ordinary citizens in society. This leads to a better reflection of our new space in the local, national and global context. Additional information regarding science not normally found in regular texts helps the learners to get a better idea. A multi-pronged approach and multidirectional effort is needed to find solutions to problems faced by the present education system. The pathway of progress involves identifying and developing the inherent capabilities in every citizen to its full potential and the optimum use of the most precious human resource wealth of the nation. The proper channelizing of human resources by technical training, high impact education and ethical standards to perform a crucial and productive role in society to achieve the complex societal goals is absolutely essential [8]. The professional education program should contain core training in a specialization along with courses in natural sciences and social sciences. A teacher should be a continuous learner to teach, just as a lamp should continue to burn to light another lamp. It is important to properly direct and channelize the dormant energies of youngsters in the right direction to do constructive work and to impart better character, conduct and behavior in the larger context of life. The positive effects of the higher education system on the body, mind and character and adequate use of human resources can affect the whole fabric of the world.

Learning beyond Boundaries

There is a change in the specific educational perspectives that opens the windows of our mind in this internet age and paradigm shift in the learning styles of the younger generation. For example, the recent trend is to look for global public resource materials, online courses and open source journals. The constructive changes in perception help achieve long-term vision and extending the limits of perception lead to new learning pathways. Today, internet with enough mainstream users has a powerful and lasting impact on the way we think, read, write, communicate and access information. Earlier the library contained a collection of books, monographs, encyclopedias, periodicals, manuscripts, Ph.D. thesis, technical reports and other documents while the present day library contains digital learning resources in different fields and hardware such as desktop, laptop or smartphone with an internet access. The scope of learning opportunities has opened up new vistas for higher education, academic research and analysis. It is important to create interactive experience and regular mental exercise helps increase in the oxygenation and improved blood flow to the brain. It activates the mind's internal mechanism triggering clear vision, creative expression and increases the ability to focus. The new cells created and new pathways generated improve cognition, multitasking capabilities and working memory thereby improving the overall brain function and the development of personality. It is also important to make efforts to connect one subject to another. For example the chemistry concepts such as properties and reaction of matter can be connected to engineering applications like properties of polymers. In general, the relevance of chemistry, physics, biology and mathematical concepts to engineering, technology, and medical fields should be highlighted in addition to connecting with one another to make the learner aware of the intricacies of their profession.

The educational television involving subject oriented programs, video-lectures, multimedia-e content, videoconferencing, webinars and telecollaborations have extended the scope of learning to a wider audience [9]. The e-book reader based on e-ink technology with dynamic content will be helpful to the current crop and next generation of learners entering the higher education system in India. Similarly, interactive websites, games and cartoons with high definition visualization stimulate the learner in stretching their imagination to have a clearer mental picture and help expand the knowledge base. The digital storytelling exercise by learners including PowerPoint slide show or video clips enhance critical thinking skills [10-12]. Many subtle lessons can be learnt when we create narrative depth through animated images providing a unique view of subject development process. The questioning attitude and the adaption of right questioning techniques can help diagnose learner difficulties, promote interest and motivate learners, provide direction to problem solving and allow them to discover connections between concepts and ideas [13]. It is essential to inculcate the habit of questioning facts as it provides the right approach to deduce correct conclusions in the scientific field. An integrated education improvement effort involves capturing the essential spirit of the academic subjects and instills scientific thinking by appealing to the intellect. It is important to recognize the subtle influence of the interesting intellectual exercise and sensitize the learners to education with a difference. The exposure of students on continuity of the basic sciences like physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology as well as the interrelatedness and relevance of these to engineering and medical education provides them educational experience across disciplinary boundaries. The learner centered distance education involving correspondence courses on different specialized subjects plays an important role in educating certain segments of society. The education system must change drastically in the right direction to set a high standard in our journey forward as a reemerging nation.

Inspiration by Books

The picture books consisting of the intellectually stimulating textual matter interspersed with non-textual components such as good illustrations involving strong concept and style, good design and composition, high-definition photographs of equipment and scientific instruments have universal appeal. They are contemporary, innovative and fascinating to engage our attention [14]. The paper surface texture, color illustrations and multicolor engravings that reflect an artistic expression offer a visual stimulation and different sensual experience of the book art that adds to the excitement. The focus should be mainly on learning the principles rather than aesthetic aspects and the reader can enjoy the real essence of the science with well-integrated traditional, abstract, conceptual, or modern visuals (graphics, drawings, and artwork) along with text and use of forceful language. The emphasis should be on the essence of the subject in addition to the form, creating the space between the stimulus and response and adaption of broader perspective in every aspect of the subject. It is essential to provide insightful commentaries and explanations for modern readers and the source has to bring precision and clarity to the professional practice. Further, the paintings can be used to create a 3D effect to understand deeper concepts or complex situations that can help us take the right path by influencing the invisible thinking and feeling as well as observable behavior and results. This innovative learning initiative is all about the brilliant colors and patterns that attract the attention of learners, and it sows the seeds of a good story that acts as a vehicle for high-impact learning and keeps the reading culture alive in youngsters. The academic content of courses has to be good and substantial and provide a practical approach to problem solving that will enable us to make a rapid progress in industrial and social development. An improvement in human nature including intellectual qualities like wisdom, judgment, intelligence and foresight in addition to moral qualities such as courage, honesty, perseverance, confidence and humility and a sense of justice helps our growth in human character and conduct.

Similarly, educational audiobooks could be an inspirational work that is essential for a special audience in their domain of interest, as auditory senses are also sources of stimulation to sharpen our grey cells [15].The exposure through paper-back, e-book and audio-versions or poster presentations that have educational relevance, original scholarship and scientific rigor will be useful to a niche audience in the technology driven global village. The specific domain expertise, cross-domain knowledge and generic non-domain content learning with the quality delivery is a challenge that needs methodological and divergent thinking and structured intellectual activity with expected program or course outcomes. It is also necessary to take concrete steps that would make the higher education more accessible and affordable. The unique importance of high impact education leading to more productivity at work depends on the choices in economics, ecology and ethics that will reduce poverty, restore environmental balance and realize the best potential for the future of mankind with a strong positive attitude. The introduction of new programs and courses for the young and the young-at-heart is very essential to transform the current young, dynamic and active generation into knowledgeable society. A wide range of stimulating activities certainly develops physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills and help in overall development of the learners. It is better to catch them young and sharpen their grey cells, tap their full potential and help them develop interest in scientific subjects, higher order thinking and life-long learning. It is worthwhile to initiate young learners to the future challenges such as eco-friendly approach, conservation of biodiversity, climate change consequences, security in cyberspace and outer space, adequate food supply, waste management, energy security and promoting green technologies for future generations.

Visual Education

The learners can attend virtual lectures delivered by domain experts on specialized topics as part of different courses or beyond the regular curriculum over high definition video transmission [10].Thus, it is possible to extend their learning environment anytime, anywhere using the laptop, tablet or mobile connectivity and it is possible to promote collaborative research via technological advancements in telepresence, telelinkages (television and telephone) and information exchange. It takes a powerful stream of technology to reflect the vibrant values of a global transformation to shape a new world order and to improve the quality of individual life. It is important to have an integration of specific knowledge in a particular domain with the established pedagogic material to provide a more immersive experience and meaningful education with a larger purpose. It is certainly important to increase the pedagogic content and exposure to extensive experimentation in the laboratories to address the general concern about their educational value. A series of text- image based essays involving storytelling and visually strong graphic narratives have scientific influence of added significance in a professional society and it is the analytical description of science that interests learners. It is entirely possible to have an extremely exciting experience by a vibrant multimedia presentation [9].The introduction of a special training capsule in moral sensitization in educational institutions across the nation will help change from within and promote intrinsic motivation impacting their lives beyond the narrow confines of their profession. This will significantly impact the well-being of the society by inculcating leadership qualities and developing a high level of self-confidence. The tendency towards certain unethical practices needs change in the larger interest of our society and nation. Education through high quality films depicting social evils like corruption, nepotism, bureaucratic red-tapism, communalism and terrorism is rapid, very interesting and understandable. The films with artistic and technical excellence have an important educational role to play in spreading awareness, instruction and sensitization. Television can enlighten masses by providing professional guidance on subjects like health and hygiene, science and technology, terrorism and corruption, fertilizers and pesticides and law and order problems in addition to providing awareness of general ideas and a sense of perspective.

Laboratory and Life

The learning objectives in science/engineering/medical laboratory courses include development of practical skills and scientific reasoning, understanding the nature of science, cultivating the interest in learning science, enhance the mastery of subject matter and improve teamwork abilities [16-17].In this context it is important to develop improved laboratory learning materials including detailed directions in different instructional settings and in different disciplines. The development of collaborative skills by establishing a relationship among higher educational institutions, research organizations and industrial research and development centers is another major goal in the laboratory courses. The experiments in a laboratory course in a particular discipline should contain the background information about its importance, its relation with other disciplines and lives and connection with nature; for example an experiment with preparation of nanoparticles could highlight the nanoparticles that exist in nature such as smoke, clouds and volcanic ash. Air pollution due to nanoparticles has a direct impact on human health and an indirect impact on global greenhouse effect. The formation of stalagmites, stalactites by self-assembly of calcium carbonate nanoparticles in three dimensional spaces that establish a fascinating link between Mother Nature and nanotechnology could be incorporated. It is very important to realize that nanoparticle formation is actually an everyday phenomenon that occurs in nature and intense interdisciplinary research is required to have better understanding of these complex natural processes and to produce functional nanosystems for use. This relevance of making connections to the real world will further enhance the curiosity of the learner into deeper investigations that could lead to making smart materials, biomaterials and reusable materials.

There is a growing evidence that appropriate learning material supplementation makes the mind capable of razor-sharp perception and helps develop a broader perspective. The display of lateral learning materials in the form of PowerPoint slides containing concepts, principles, components of instruments and relevant applications on the inner walls/notice boards in the laboratory space may trigger the expansion of the mental horizon and help the learner apply different perspectives under different situations to bring about a change for the better. Science is best learnt when it is learnt in the laboratory or through practical examples of products of nature and by this way the true spirit of science can be acquired and this will influence the scientific research output of our country. These powerful tools are of special value to the learners and good practical training at the higher education level eventually leads to advanced experimentation and scientific developments. A detailed experimental background, explanation of the basic principles, methods of handling of specialized apparatus and equipment and description of the laboratory operating procedures in the laboratory reference manuals and through operational instructions from the teachers in the laboratory enhances the learners' academic interest. It is particularly important to incorporate the changes taking place in the practice and theory of science and other sector-specific skills from time to time and retain the relevance to current teaching of the subject. It is essential to promote integrative learning to impart better education by incorporating four important participatory aspects of learning - lecture, laboratory, library and life.

Policy Matters

A draft of a comprehensive education plan to deliver a significantly enhanced and productive learner experience is essential and the programs designed to serve one's educational needs are expected to radically reorient the younger generation on the right track [18-19].The active involvement of academically oriented people on educational issues is the key to bringing about sustainable development and social responsibility. What matters eventually is education and its effect in application of knowledge, skills and attitude in solving real life problems to make this world a better place to live in. In this direction, the right educational approach is very important in preparing the energetic and educated younger generation and this can create and nurture a long-term sustainable global development vision and perspective. Concrete action and necessary steps must be taken to increase the maturity levels of individuals across the nation as education is the key to unlock the potential and help empowerment of people to enable creation and preservation of wealth for society at large. The objective and reasonably well balanced integration of various perspectives towards holistic education that enhance the quality of life is necessary to reach the higher plane, raising the bar of innovation, technology and lifestyle. We hope the different perspectives leaves an indelible impression on the active readers and helps in establishing an extensive change in the entire course of the learners' lives and thinking. The great hope of society is in developing individual character by adapting a continuous, progressive and informed perspectives based on the actual environment and experiences of the learner. The new updated and realistic higher education policy drafted by academicians and intellectuals taking into consideration the factors influencing student performance in different disciplines should increase the level of higher education to bring about the necessary changes in science, technology, medical and agricultural education sectors. It is an important instrument of change and development to channelize energy in the right direction to transform the society with a sound scientific temper and good technical base.

Today, it is more important than ever before to inculcate the spirit of dedication, hard work, innovative thinking, patriotism and service to the nation considering the demographic dividend. The partial privatization of the education sector, opening of standard global universities in India, implementing educational megaprojects, encouraging educational entrepreneurship, developing educational policy matters and liberalization of the regulatory environment, all boost enormous creativity and take this nation to greater heights in our journey towards social prosperity. The long-term prospects of a joint venture educational model at multiple locations with complementary strengths, innovative thinking and perseverance are clear in terms of mutual benefits of the partner universities. The government should take better educational decisions to promote India as an attractive investment destination in the education sector. It should focus on review of policy matters, public-private partnership models and widespread implementation, and introduce educational reforms to make educational institutions more transparent and accountable. It is important to expedite clearances as well as resolve problems related to education immediately to attract top level universities to operate in India and add value to the education system and academic landscape. The problem of educating the growing younger generation of India with the additional task of attempting to satisfy their mental curiosity is challenging in terms of a regulatory framework. The link between the well-read section of Indian society and the student community in today's science driven world has become more relevant and the major responsibility involves policy reforms that have been an essential step in the development of modern science. The ability to make constructive contributions and rapid progress depends on providing freedom (excellent academic atmosphere and stimulating research environment) for the creative people to practice and pursue their diverse subject interests. The right educational policy implementation can certainly accelerate the education reform process and make a tangible positive impact to sustain the learners' interest in science education and possible choice of pedagogic path in the future.

Essential Elements

An effort to create more awareness about contemporary developments of educational policies, procedures and fair practices for the present generation and widespread use of different technologies with ethical conduct for a lasting change in mindset is required. The ethical guidelines are essential elements in higher education for developing a healthy and constructive attitude towards life with desirable surface and core traits in right proportions [8].The continuous improvement by bridging the gap between science and technology by adopting proper science education and technology support is expected to enhance innovative growth. The full potential of effective modern education and exposure is necessary to substantially contribute to meeting the growing human resource requirements and to devise practical solutions to problems while maintaining the ecosystem health. Further debate provides a reader's platform for uncovering the subject not learnt as a part of the regular program, academic networking opportunity to have future research/teaching collaborations and to have a unique experience in terms of international perspectives. This could potentially provide important clues about how to have a much broader perspective that is far more effective in causing a specific change in academic circles through sequential growth schemes. The deliberations will bring about meaningful change in the present perception involving specific administrative, pedagogic and innovative steps to be taken at all scales. The overall goal of the discussion is to develop suggestions for improvement in higher education and research activities and to promote the dynamic relationship among the participants and use of modern scientific tools to solve the societal problems by providing a unique perspective to the readers. The changing trends include blended programs incorporating diverse subjects such as professional ethics, entrepreneurship, management and literature. An important educational lesson is to stress the analytical and essential elements in modern higher education to develop a positive attitude in life.

It is worthwhile to include courses related to current and future societal issues and innovative specialized courses in addition to routine core courses in professional colleges to create more awareness and better exposure. This helps people to shift focus from regular activities and traditional techniques to strongly effective platforms such as digital activism and reform movements. Reviews of new courses and programs should appear regularly in popular magazines and educational journals in the areas of science, engineering and technology for the benefit of more enthusiastic readers (Appendix-1) and open up the prospects of novel exciting sample courses such as "Corruption and its Control" (Appendix-2), "Organometallic Cluster Chemistry Course", "The Science of Terrorism: An Interdisciplinary Course for Non-science Majors" [20-21]. The main reasons for the growth of corruption in public administration include the attitude of the general public, discretionary power to officials, interference of politicians in administration and standing examples of certain politicians/individuals amassing wealth in a short span of time. A better understanding of corruption and how to minimize it through formal courses involving information, knowledge and wisdom will make people actively participate in a multitude of activities and grow to become socially useful and creative. Corruption in India is becoming more frequent in almost every walk of life and collusive corruption and harassment corruption in the public sector are increasing at a fast rate. The rampant corruption in all spheres of administration is the major hindrance to the national development efforts including the lack of political will power for proper educational reforms. It is the root cause of many burning problems as highlighted by the social media and mainstream media. One partial solution for this problem is to provide a balanced perspective to youngsters and include "Corruption and its Control" as a regular course in universities/colleges and this is a more relevant solution in the emerging scenario. The sustainability of the human race has become the most important scientific challenge in the world and the teaching of "Green Chemistry" has become an integral part of university programs and a compulsory subject in the curriculum [22-23]. The science education-oriented journals listed at the end of the paper (Appendix-1) serve as a work of reference for the researcher and for the general reader in understanding the present day learning pattern and effective learning techniques. In addition to developing the individual mind, body and emotions, it is essential to shape the nation professionally and ethically as we are the members of the same society. Our higher education must be oriented to meet the needs of its society and aim for the pursuit of excellence to make substantial progress by imparting intellectual growth. The character and social behavior training must make its citizens live as good members of their family, of their community, of the nation and of the whole human race.

Miscellaneous Perspectives

It is essential to establish and promote special centers for training the trainers in different zones of India and a model of education that change knowledge status substantially rather than incrementally. This is to bring about and accelerate major quality improvement in teacher education in the initial stages of their career and subsequent continuing professional development in our journey of education to enable teachers and eventually learners to realize their full potential. The training from experienced teaching consultants with up to date trends can help transform people's lives to become recharged, energetic and more productive. As excellence is in quality, it is absolutely essential to maintain quality in all the educational processes that will be reflected in generating more environmentally responsible, more creative and expressive individuals. It is now important to create a nurturing environment that supports and empowers the weakest in the educational value chain and generates several livelihood opportunities. The encouragement to private agencies to start higher education institutions and universities that eventually evolve into general and multispecialty universities helps improve education services. The research resources by several national and international organizations help conduct research as per modern established scientific standards/methods. The unique initiative of higher education policy framework and proper education delivery system must be followed by effective implementation of rules and regulations that could power human resource in the near future. The international exposure in terms of teaching, research and development will go a long way in solving social problems related to high impact education on a large scale. As education is the most important development indicator, a formal professional body like unique education authority of India (UEAI) should be established to prepare education vision 2040 plan, to maintain a balance in perspective in terms of its consequences, to implement various educational schemes and to monitor quality standards uniformly throughout the country. Similarly, the establishment of national science education regulatory body, center for the inter-university collaborative research programs, central education technology cell, center for interdisciplinary studies, scientific temperament foundation and industry liaison and placement cells at university levels would help resolve several issues related to educational processes. In addition to a judicious mix of academic, co-curricular and extracurricular activities in each educational program, it is important to create a self-organized learning environment. The establishment of educational hubs in different zones of India, offering open courses in a countrywide classroom concept and certificate course in "Teaching-Learning Process" can act as a significant catalyst on our development path. In the Indian context, there should be a detailed analysis of the reasons which led to the current status and create more learning opportunities in higher education that will have a huge impact on a lot of learners.

There are several issues related to perceptions and practices towards educational impact and educational processes that remove or reduce the monotony of a normal lecture session to reach a great level of learning outcome. The emphasis should be on education that enables the left (analytical) and right (creative) part of brain stimulation leading to overall cognitive development and lasting memory for life. India's sustainable growth prospects depend on creating world-class education standards in the higher education sector and services and re-igniting the collective commitment to put the country on a rapid growth trajectory to attain newer heights of success. In this context, it is essential to increase the strength of the collective passion to contribute to the common educational goals of our country with a positive vision and recharge the inspiration through the vision to create global educational standards in the coming years. As education is essential for the overall development of the learner, high impact education is the need of the hour to ignite the light of knowledge, awareness, attitudes and creativity. The time-tested basic ethical values considered universal across cultures such as respect and caring for others, caring for other living things and the environment, truth, justice, loyalty and purity must be given due importance in the minds of the learners as a part of value education. This is particularly significant with the huge diversity of cultures, languages and regions that exist in the country where one size-fits-all solution is not at all practically feasible. From a scientific perspective, a systematic and pragmatic approach is required that changes the brain structures associated with learning and memory in response to education related activity or information. A multipronged strategy is needed to tackle the corruption problem and related challenges that affect the progress of the country and to take agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and the service sector to greater heights. The positive transformation of the ordinary individual to become educated, assertive, confident and courageous and the nation as a whole to become globally competitive in different fields of human activity through an extraordinary experience and more holistic education remains to be seen.

Future Prospects

The future prospect of India lies in its younger generation and the right to education needs to be understood in its proper context as only the right education can help achieve goal of sustainable progress. It is interesting to provide a feel and flavor of science education and to create an interest in the audience about science education awareness and relevance of different perspectives to technology. Science education and technology have to be taken as a composite unit to discuss the latest advances and trends in science education, innovative education practices, look at contemporary issues and debate on certain perspective on the way forward. The emphasis would be to expand the mind, explore mental templates beyond current perceptions and make science education more exciting and relevant. The right perspectives that emerge during discussions would make it easier for us to have dreams, dreams that translate into words and words that translate into action. It is about realizing our full potential by following certain thoughts and processes with a personal and professional touch. It basically boils down to whether we write effectively, teach efficiently, follow proper procedure and a different operating style. The training in entrepreneurship, leadership, research and management is crucial but it is a big challenge considering the present scenario of student perceptions of learning and teaching effectiveness in higher education courses in college classrooms. As education has been the most powerful driving force behind human evolution the universities in India have to become intellectual powerhouses and contribute substantially towards nation building. The working group on higher education, research, development and practice has more responsibility to achieve the long-term development goals of increasing awareness and improving educational standards. The structured learning and analytical education through dedication, commitment, passion towards work and mind power play a vital role to bring about revolutionary change in many sectors. The impact of model teachers and academically more dynamic module on individuals will be significant in creating a wave of education transformation in India and would inspire the younger generation of the present and the future. Good citizenship can be learnt through practice and experience and a highly educated citizen will strike a balance between personal, family, local, national and international interests.

This paper points out clearly that the change in mindset of people is a real intellectual challenge and the perspectives of this type help overcome this challenge. There should be increased participation of academicians with a clean professional background in policy initiatives and steps should be taken to implement the national educational projects in letter and spirit. This initiative provides an opportunity to promote thinking about efficient teaching methods, educational research activities and to look forward to new vistas in science teaching-learning. The right thinking individuals have to involve themselves completely which would result in a wholesome and holistic learning experience to enrich the mind and mold the character. The global online learning system involving rigorous academic curriculum in higher education makes learning much more interesting through valuable discussions than traditional on-campus classroom experiences. The educative value of television, radio, sports, films, newspapers, magazines, picture books and audiobooks in providing information, knowledge, technical skills and wisdom helps to develop a new outlook on life and to understand/solve the problems of today in the context of contemporary globalized society. There is a quest for excellence in everything from abstract ideas to practical applications in the real world and the high impact education enhances academic success by adapting the highest standards and best methods and the social competence of learners to final success. The revolutionary thoughts and radical ideas in the educational field would influence the rapid advancement in science, engineering, technological, medical and industrial sectors and the citizens will be able to achieve breakthrough research outputs in these fields through critical thinking and problem-solving strategies. The bottom-line is to promote higher growth and human development index for a country at the crossroads of change. The Indian education system at all levels should deliver more educated and smarter, more vibrant and dynamic leaders with better ideas on long-term vision, short-term mission and core values to take it to the next level. The educational approaches and scientific advances should be combined with core values of human welfare such as a sense of idealism, courage to fight for justice, meaningful work culture and service for nation leading to ultimate universal prosperity (Scheme 2).

Scheme 2. Diagram showing the different interrelated dimensions of science education

 

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  16. Mayer, R. E., Learning and Instruction. Pearson Education, New Jersey (2008).
  17. WHO, Good Laboratory Practice, 2nd Edition handbook, WHO, (2010).
  18. "Report of the Higher Education in India Issues Related to Expansion, Inclusiveness, Quality and Finance", (2008) url = http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/pub/report/12.pdf.
  19. "National Policy on Education (with modifications undertaken in 1992)" . National Council of Educational Research and Training (1992).
  20. Thimmappa, B. H. S., Chem. Educator, 11, 1-6 (2006).
  21. Eisen, L. P., in Basu-Dutt, S., (Ed.)"Making Chemistry Relevant: Strategies for Including All Students in a Learner-Sensitive Classroom Environment", Hoboken, Wiley (2010), pp.67-85.
  22. For green chemistry textbooks, see url = http://www.migreenchemistry.org/education/classroom/green-chemistry-textbooks.
  23. For green chemistry course, see url = http://www.york.ac.uk/ chemistry/ research green chemistry/education.

Appendix 1 

 

Appendix 2

 Corruption and its Control

[3003]*

 
Indian democracy and patriotism, Cancer of corruption in global context, Corruption in India, Impact of corruption on economic development, Long-term and short-term impacts, Civil society, Character of people and fight against corruption, Public service ethics and public sector ethics, Ethical degradation and moral responsibility, Identifying key issues, Case study, Good examples of bad management, Ethics related to individual and institutional corruption issues, Accountability and transparency, Criminal misconduct, Social justice and social activism.

 10**


Corruption investigation and prevention module, Corruption charges, Mega scandals, Theory and practice in preventing corruption, Corruption control measures, Combating corruption in India, Indian judicial system and legal loopholes, Indian Penal Code, Evidence Act, The prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, Benaami Transaction Act, Public Interest Litigation, Societal transformation and Police-Judicial reforms, Legal prevention, Judicial control and value based leadership, Corruption monitor services, Reporting corruption cases, Fraud management aspects, Detection and prevention of corporate frauds, Party finance and political corruption.

10


Transparent banking system, Economic policies, Counterfeit currency, Corrupt officials, Tainted bureaucrats, Black money and its consequences, Irregularities in recruitments, Land mafia, Tax and stamp duty evasion, Fake certificates, Transparency International and its concerns, International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), CBI and FBI investigations, Anti-corruption bureau (ACB) and Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Media role, Moral aspects in public life.

10


Human rights issues, Anti-corruption movements, Right to information act, Jan Lokpal bill-2011, Spiritual orientation, Sense of security and peace, Holistic approach to education and healthcare, Effective and E-governance, Technology to tackle corruption, Duties and role of educational institutions, Applying zero-tolerance to corruption, Uses of anticorruption course.

06

References:

  1. Gupta, K. N., Corruption in India, Anmol Publ. Ltd., New Delhi, (2003).
  2. Vittal, N. Corruption in India, Academic Foundation, New Delhi, (2003).
  3. Palkhivala, N. A., We, the people: India, the largest democracy, Strand Book Stall, Bombay, (1991).
  4. Paul, S., (ed), Fighting Corruption: The Way Forward, Academic Foundation, (2013).
  5. Vittal, N., Corruption in India: The Roadblock to National Prosperity, Academic Foundation, (2003).
  6. Bedi, K., Choudary, P., Uprising 2011: Indians against Corruption, Wisdom Village Publications, (2012).

Note: *Each course is assigned a [L T P C] code where L = lectures/week, T = tutorials/week, P = practical/week and C = credits assigned. For example, [3003] has 3 hours of lectures/week and the credits assigned is 3.
**The numbers indicated at the right hand side of the syllabus correspond to the total number of contact hours required for each chapter to be completed making a total of 36 hours/semester for a 3 credit course.
*******