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Need to boost interest in basic sciences Preparing for pre-medical tests Ambika Sharma TEACHERS checking humanities papers of plus two classes of the HP School Education Board here are being chased by those seeking to enhance the marks of their wards. Not only is the vital information regarding checking centres of particular papers being leaked, but this has also given rise to a novel way of cheating. |
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Need to boost interest in basic sciences
On December 9, 2003 the Human Resource Development Minister announced this while addressing the Parliament Consultative Committee attached to his ministry. He said today’s technologies were the outcome of fundamental research undertaken in the past. He asked the University Grants Commission to see how students’ interest in basic sciences could be rejuvenated. Through basic science we search for fundamental knowledge motivated by curiosity through applied science or technology, we look for solutions to specific problems. We have computers today because of: i. discovery in fundamental physics that underwrite electronics ii. development in mathematical logic iii. need of nuclear physicists in the thirties to develop ways to count particles. Responsibility of teachers Excellence in science education should never be compromised. Kindle the enthusiasm of the students by encouraging them to ask questions. Teachers should not be ashamed to admit ignorance. Set up "science clubs" where speakers, especially young postgraduate students from universities and research institutions, may discuss recent scientific advances through seminars, courses and field workshops. Arrange periodic "guided tours" to leading research laboratories. School and public libraries should be well-stacked in books and journals on popular science and have computers with Internet connections and easy access to all students. If possible Libraries should remain open after school hours and on the weekend and holidays. Schools should pool their resources and solicit the help of master teachers, university faculty and researchers of leading scientific agencies to create a series of web-based lessons for students. Responsibility of the government The government should allot sufficient funds for science education on all levels and actively encourage the participation of women and students from rural areas and other under-represented in science and technology sector. Evolve a common curriculum for all schools across the country and train teachers in the effective use of technology in science education. Provide tax incentives to private enterprises in return fostering development and use of computers and other scientific methods and technologies, primarily for reaserch and education in the sciences. Help initiate and financially support "Young Scholars Programme" where academically exceptional high school students work with Professors and researchers from renowned academic institutions and laboratories on different scientific topics. Encourage the "Young scholars" to purse their favourite discipline beyond the level offered by secondary schools or explore a field such as anthropology, economics, advanced calculus, philosophy, linguistics or experimental psychology. Responsibility of parents a. Parents should show active interest in the education of kids by familiarising themselves with the developments in science and technology. b. They should indulge in a healthy dialogue with the younger generation by listening more and dictating less. Avoid comparisons. Responsibility of students You can take a horse to
the waterhole, but cannot make it drink and so the buck stops at the
door of my young friends. They are the inheritors of a very
complicated world and have to steer it. A thorough understanding and
appreciation of science and technology is a must not only for their
survival but also for continued existence of the world we live. |
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Preparing for pre-medical tests SOON after the plus two board examination, students get busy with preparations for medical colleges and engineering colleges admissions. The style of question papers for the entrance tests is quite different from those of board exam. Pre-medical test (PMT) paper in almost all cases consists of multiple choice (objective type) questions, which test the conceptual understanding of the candidates in the subjects. The time allotted to each of the MCQ varies from 48 seconds to 60 seconds, depending on the agency that is conducting the examination. In this time span, a candidate is expected to go through the question, grasp the crux of the question, think of the necessary facts and figures, make calculations (if necessary) and tick the options out of the four given along with the question. It is obviously a difficult task to accomplish so much in such a short period of time. A correct answer ensures a positive score for the candidate but there is penalty in the form of negative score for the wrong answer. Normally, penalty for the wrong answer is one-fourth of the score for the correct answer. An incorrect answer has a double disadvantage for the candidate in the form of the time spent and negative score. It is advisable for the candidates not to attempt those questions about which they do not have any idea at all. Since a MCQ test is a race against time, those who keep track of time during the examination do have an advantage. Keeping one’s cool during the examination does wonders. Maintaining a mental balance during the examination is easier if the candidate gets a good sleep the previous night. Some candidates spend sleepless nights before the examination day. Arriving at the examination centre too early or just in the nick of time can upset some. It is better to reach the centre about 15 minutes before the starting time. Most pre-medical tests consist of equal number of questions in physics, chemistry, botany and zoology. For medical group students, physics creates problems, both during preparation and the examination time. Physics being a mathematics-based subject makes preparation difficult. Normally, students spend a major portion of their time preparing for physics. Some of them do this at the cost of other subjects with undesirable results. Physics questions involve calculations and normally more time. Here also if the student is not careful enough, he/she ends up spending more time than what is allotted and ends up not attempting all questions. Due to these two factors, score in physics, by and large (barring a few exceptions), becomes the deciding factor in determining the merit list. Thus, at this critical juncture of preparation it is important for the students that enough attention is paid to the subject of physics. But it has to be kept in mind that other subjects should not suffer because of more time being devoted to physics. In a summary, for success in pre-medical tests it is absolutely essential to handle the subject of physics with extreme care, both during preparation and examination. Further, keeping a mental equilibrium always yields dividends. The writer is
Professor, Physics Department, Punjabi University, Patiala. |
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Examiners beseeched by middlemen! TEACHERS checking humanities papers of plus two classes of the HP School Education Board here are being chased by those seeking to enhance the marks of their wards. Not only is the vital information regarding checking centres of particular papers being leaked, but this has also given rise to a novel way of cheating. Inquiries reveal that there is a rush of middlemen in the region. Take the case of Solan. The board has listed three examination centres in the district. Government Girls Senior Secondary Schools at Nalagarh and Solan and Government Boys Senior Secondary School at Arki have been made checking centres. Public places like tea stalls and restaurants falling in the vicinity of schools are the favourite destinations of such middlemen where strategies to rope in paper checkers are made. A teacher on condition of anonymity said they had approached some examiners through a common acquaintance and persuaded them to enhance the marks. The modus operandi of the middlemen is foolproof. First, they manage to find the centre where the respective answersheets have been sent. One such person revealed that this information was procured at three levels. First, the centre superintendent had a list of checking centres where the answersheets had to be delivered through post. Second, the clerical staff at each centre had access to this information. This included two staff members from the education board who were specially posted at an examination centre. The third place from where the information could be obtained was the post office where huge bundles of answersheets were sent to be despatched to various checking centres. The board should first
receive all answersheets and then distribute these further to ensure
secrecy, as in the case of answersheets of science subjects. The board
chairman, Mr B.R. Rahi, says it is not difficult to obtain access to
checking centres. Denying that the system was not foolproof, he said
the superintendents of checking centres ensured thorough transparency
in marking. |
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ADMISSION DEADLINE Agriculture May 10 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan II, Pusa, New Delhi 110012. All-India Entrance Exam for ICAR’s-JRF & Admission to Master’s Deg Prog (at IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE, CAU & SAUs) Test: 13 Jun. Elig: Bachelor’s deg (Agri/Vet Sc/Allied Sc, 60%). Appln F: Send Rs. 550/- (For SC/ST: Rs. 300/-) by DD fvg "Deputy Director General (Edn), ICAR, New Delhi" payable at New Delhi, with self-add, unstamped env (12" x 10"), to the Controller of Examination (Education Div), Room No. 226 by 20 Apr at above add. Apr 15 Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250110 (UP) Entrance Exam- 2004 for admission to: 1) BSc (Ag.) 2) MSc (Ag) (Agro/Soil Sc/AH/ Plant Pathol/ Entomol/ Genetics & Plant Breeding / Agril Eco & Mgt/Horti /Agri Comm & Rural Develop/ Bio-Tech) 3) B.Tech (Bio-Tech) 4) M.Tech (Agric Process & Food Engg) 5) Ph.D. (Agro /Soil Sc/AH/ Plant Pathol/ Entomol/ Genetics & Plant Breeding / Agril Eco & Mgt/Horti/ Agric Process & Food Engg) Elig: For 1 & 3: 10+2 (Agril/Sc with Biol/ Maths/Bio- Math). Age: 22-yr (on 1 Jul ’04). For 2: BSc (Ag) / BSc (Ag & AH) / BSc (Ag- Hons with 55%) For MSc (Ag) Biotech: BSc (Ag) / BSc (Biol) / BSc (Bio-Math) / B.Tech (Bio-Tech) / BSc (Ag & AH) / BSc (Ag, Hons). For PhD: MSc (Ag), 55% in relev subj or equiv OGPA. For PhD (Agric Process & Food Engg): M.Tech (Agric Process & Food Engg)/ MTech (Process & Food Engg); 55% or equiv OGPA. Test: 16 May. Appln F: Send Rs 850/- by DD fvg the "Comptroller, SVBPUA & T, Meerut", payable at SBI Palhera, Meerut (Code-3067) to the Registrar at above add by Apr 15. Details: Employment News (20 – 26 Mar). Armed Forces Apr 19 Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, New Delhi 110069 www.upsc.gov.in National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam (II) 2004 Elig: Unmarried males.DoB: Jul 2, ’86 – Jan 1, ’89. For Army Wing: 10+2. For Air Force, Naval Wing & 10+2 (Exec Br) Course at Naval Acad: 10+2 (Phys & Maths). Selectn: Written Test (Aug 22 ‘04). Appln F: At HPOs/POs: Rs 20/- (cash). Details: Employment News (Mar 20 - 26)/ website. Apr 30 Indian Air Force www.careerairforce.nic.in Recruitment in Ground Duty Branches: Ground Duty Officers Course (Men) Short Service Commission Course (Women) Details: Website. May 15 Indian Air Force, PO Bag No 001, Nirman Bhawan PO, New Delhi 110011 www careerairforce.nic.in Women Pilots (SSC) Elig: Unmarried, Indian female. Bachelor’s Deg (Maths & Phys at 10+2)/BE. DoB: 2 Jan ’82 – 1 Jan ’85 (2 Jan ’80 for CPL holders). Height: 162.5 cms, Leg Length: 99 cms – 120cms Selectn: PABT, OIR, PPDT, Psy & Gr Tests, Med Exams & Interview. Appln F & Details: Website. Art & Design May 25 Northern Indian Institute of Fashion Technology, C-115, Industrial Area, Phase-VII, Mohali 160055. www.niiftindia.com 1) Dip (Fashion Design) 2) PG Dip (Garment Manufacturing Tech/Knitwear Design & Tech) Elig: For 1: 10+2. For 2: Bachelor’s deg. Selectn: Entrance Test (10 – 11 Jun). Appln F: Send Rs 200/- by DD fvg "NIFT, Mohali" to above add. Engineering Apr 24 Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed Univ), Vellore-632014 (TN). www.vit.ac.in VIT Entrance Exam (VITEE) - 2004 For Admission to BTech (Bioinformatics, Biotech, Chem Engg, Civil Engg, Comp Sc & Engg, Elect & Electron Engg, Electron & Commn Engg, Electron & Instru Engg, IT, Mech Engg, Telecom) Elig: 10+2 (For Biotech & Bioinfomatics: PCB/For Rest:PCM; 50%). Selectn: Entrance Exam (16 May; at 18 centres incld Del & Ch’grh). Appln F: Send Rs 650/- by DD fvg "Vellore Institute of Technology" payable at Vellore to Director (Admissions) at above add /d’load from website. Details: Website. May 14 National Sugar Instt (M/o Consumer Affairs,Food & Public Distn, GoI), Kaianpur, Kanpur 208 017 (UP) PG Dip Course of Associateship of National Sugar Instt in: 1) Sugar Tech (2`BD-yr) 2) Sugar Engg (1`BD-yr) 3) Indl Fermentation & Alcohol Tech (1`BD-yr) Cert in Sugar Engg (2 Off-Season) Cert in Sugar Boiling (1 Off-Season) Cert in Pre-Harvest Cane Maturity Survey (1`BD-mth) Fellowship of National Sugar Instt by Research (1-yr) Elig, Selectn & Other Details: Employment News (20-26 Mar). May 15 Dr B R Ambedkar University, Institute of Engineering & Technology, Khandari Campus, Agra 282002 (UP). www.geocities.com/iet_agra BE (Comp Sc & Engg/ Electron &Comm/Electron & Instru/ IT/ Mech/ Biotech) Elig: 10+2 (PCM). Appln F: Send Rs 500/-by DD fvg "Finance Officer, Dr B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra" payable at Agra, to The Co-ordinator, BEAT–2004 at above add/ d’load from website. Info Tech Apr 30 IIT- Roorkee, Roorkee 247667. www.iitr.ac.in/aimcet/ www.examinationforms.com All India MCA Common Entrance Test (AIMCET - 2004) Elig: Bachelor’s Deg (Maths at 10+2/ Deg level). Test: 6 Jun (in 98 cities incl Del). Appln F & Details: Employment News (20-26 Mar)/ website. Law Apr 15 Gujarat National Law University, Old NIFT Campus, E – 4 GIDC, Electronic Zone, Gandhinagar – 382028 www.gnlu.ac.in Admission to 5- yr Ingtd LLB (Hons) Prog: (BA LLB/ BSc LLB/ BCom LLB) Elig: 10+2 (50%). Age: Below 20 yrs (on 1 July). Selectn: Entrance Test (9 May, at 9 centers incdg Del, M’bai & K’kata): Appln F: Send Rs. 530/- by DD fvg "Gujarat National Law University" payable at Gandhinagar, to the Registrar at above add/ d’load from website. Details: Website Management May 17 Fore School of Mangement, B-18, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110016 www.fsm.ac.in 1) PG Dip in Bus Mgt (3-yr, PT) 2) MBA (IT/Intl Bus Mgt; 2-yr, PT) 3) MSc (Intnl Bus Mgt; 1-yr, FT) Elig: Bachelor’s Deg. For 1 & 2: Relev wk ex Selectn: For 1 & 2: Personal Interveiw, For 3: Written Test & Personal Interview. Appln F: Send For 1: Rs. 950/-; For 2&3: Rs. 650/- by DD fvg "FORE School of Management," payable at New Delhi to the Chairperson, Admissions at above add/d’load from website. May 12 International Management Institute, B-10, Qutab Institutional Area, Tara Crescent, New Delhi 110016. www.imi.edu Fellow Prog in Mgt (FPM) (FT,res) (IT, Tech Mgt, OB & HRM, Mktg Mgt, Op Mgt, Fin & Control, Eco & Soc Sc, Corp Strategy & Policy) Elig: Master’s deg/CA/ICWA (55%)/CGPA of 3.0 on 4 pt scale OR BE/BTech (1st div) OR Master’s deg/CA/BE/BTech with 5-yr wk ex/Teachers of deg level B-Schools. Good GMAT/CAT score. Appln F: Send Rs 250/- by DD fvg "International Management Institute" payable at New Delhi. Details: Website. May 15 University College of Business Studies, Himachal Pradesh University, Ava-Lodge, Shimla 171004. www.ucbs.org BBA/BCA (3-yr) Elig: 10+2 Selectn: Entrance test (2 June). Appln F: Send Rs. 225/- by DD (for each) fvg "The Director, University College of Business Studies, HP University, Ava-Lodge, Shimla 171004" to the Director at above add. Mass Com Apr 30 Manorama School of Communication (MASCOM), P.B. No. 229, Kottayam 686001 (Ker). www.manoramajschool.com PG Dip Print Journalism (1-yr) Elig: Bachelor’s deg. Selectn: Entrance Exam: 8 Jun (at 7 centres incld Del & Kol). Appln F: Send Rs 500/- by DD fvg "MASCOM" payable at Kottayam to above add. Details: Website. Medicine Apr 26 Ch Charan Singh University, Meerut www.ccsuniversity.org CPMT-2004 (Admission to MBBS, BDS, BHMS& BUMS in Govt/Pvt Colleges in UP) Test: 30 May (in 16 main cities of UP). Elig: 10+2 (PCBE) of U.P. Board or equiv, UP domicile. Age: Born before 31 Dec ’87. Appln F & other details: Employment News (20- 26 Mar) Recruitment Apr 21 Railway Recruitment Board, Ahmedabad Recruitment for various posts in Western Railways (700). Details: Employment News (Mar 20 - 26). Social Sciences Jun 15 International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi Station Road, Deonar, Mumbai 400088 www.iipsindia.org Master of Population Studies (1-yr, Dist) Appln F: Send written request to Dr. R.K. Sinha, Reader and Head, D/o Extra Mural studies & Distance Education at above add/d’load from website. Pervin Malhotra, Director, CARING (www.careerguidanceindia.com), New Delhi Email: pervin-trib@.careerguidanceindia.com Details: www.careerguidanceindia.com |
THANKS
to the vigorous encouragement of a scientific and technological
education by the post-Independence governments, today we command
respect (and much envy) in the League of Nations. However, there
appears to be a declining interest of students in basic sciences. To
stem this trend and to boost students’ interest in basic sciences,
the Government of India has decided to observe 2004 as the "Year
of Scientific Awareness"