On the wrong foot

Guwahati, Nov. 10: A group of specialised science teachers who had set out to make Ohm’s law and kinetic theory more interesting for students are now struggling to explain the nuances of Sanskrit terms like nididhyasana and anandatman.

Headmasters in schools across Assam are pushing special tutors, appointed by the Assam Science, Technology and Environment Council to make science and mathematics more popular, to teach a range of subjects, including Sanskrit.

The science council’s director, S.K. Choudhury, told The Telegraph that some of the special tutors are even asked to examine answerscripts which has seriously affected the project.

According to the council’s plan, the special tutors were trained to alter the current theory-centric classroom teaching of sciences and employ alternative methods by displaying models, holding exhibitions and organising tours.

The whole idea was to take science and mathematics learning beyond classrooms.

The science and technology department intends to run the project for three years and if it proves successful, the programme will be handed over to the education department so that special tutors can be appointed permanently.

The science council director said since the erring headmasters are working under the education department, the council cannot take any action against them.

“There must be various reasons for engaging the special tutors in other work. A large number of vacant posts of different subject teachers is one of the reasons. A section of headmasters must have found it very convenient to engage these teachers to teach other subjects,” Choudhury said.

A source said there are reports that a section of permanent teachers of science and mathematics were feeling threatened by the innovative methods employed by the special tutors and hence tried to corner them.

Choudhury said the council was trying to persuade the selected schools and headmasters not to engage special tutors in other assignments. He said the council has already taken up the matter with the school inspectors in some districts.