Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday said that the IITs and IISERs and other universities will mentor the schools that are close to their campus to create more awareness about mathematics and science from an early age.
“Maths can be taught in an entertaining way. For the students to study and understand maths and science properly, not very big equipment, but simple ideas are required. Hence, primary school teachers play a big role,” Mr. Javadekar told reporters here.
“We have decided today that IITs, IISERs (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research), large and good universities will mentor 10-15 nearby schools and ensure that students in those schools are given proper training in science and maths so they do not lag behind (in these subjects),” he said.
He also discussed inaugurations of exhibitions one on futuristic technology and another by the American Museum of Natural History on the future of space exploration, at the Science City as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.
The minister said right pedagogy is required to cultivate the interest of primary school students in these two subjects.
“Study shows that once students lag behind in maths or science, the gap increases and they fall behind further. Therefore, it is important how you explain science and mathematics to them,” he said.
He also emphasized on how well Modi government has governed the country and has taken many steps to promote the culture of innovation in the country by setting up innovation and incubation centers, allowing start-ups to run even from hostel rooms, launching IMPRINT India initiative, offering Rs. 1 lakh per month to the PM Research Fellows, among others.
He said over 100 research projects are currently going on in Indian institutes and universities, and the government has so far set up 2,000 Atal Tinkering Labs and will establish another 3,000 such facilities across the country.
He said participation in Smart India Hackathon has grown from 40,000 to 1.5 lakh in three years.
“On the basis of all this, I am sure our investment in research will grow, and an environment of science, engineering, technology, mathematics, research and attitude of innovation will start in schools…We are encouraging the tendency (among students) to explore solutions to the society’s problems,” he said.