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September 15, 2012

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Standard of science education bemoaned

SCIENCE education in domestic schools is neither systematic nor in keeping with the advances of science. Teachers only stick to textbooks and teach outdated theories, this was the conclusion of an education forum held in Shanghai yesterday.

The forum brought together local school and kindergarten teachers and education officials, who agreed that science education should be the core of school academics. They called for the creation of a new major for science education in university to train qualified science teachers.

"When American high school students are discussing and researching the latest models of airplanes, satellites and submarines, China's smartest students are buried in homework and examination papers," said Ni Minjing, director of the Shanghai Education Commission's basic education department and a physics teacher himself.

Ni, who was the main speaker at the one-day forum, said Chinese textbooks are outdated and science teachers are not well-versed with new inventions and theories.

"Besides coaching students for the Maths Olympiad, which is above the ordinary level, we should teach students the working mechanism of a digital camera, light-emitting diode (LED) lamp, and overhead projector, which we use in our daily life and can arouse students' curiosity."

Chinese students also get few opportunities to conduct scientific experiments or exercise independent thinking, Ni added.

Meanwhile, a Shanghai science promotion activity will be held at Minhang Sports Park over the weekend, providing an avenue for adults and children alike to learn science through interesting performances and games.




 

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