Do you know that for pursuing Science Career you need to have a balance of Theory Practical understanding…
Social Media is todays a craze amongst the younger generation. Anything new, they are attracted. May be some news, new innovation, new gadgets in the market and most importantly the streaming videos. The content and the visuals attract youth and they are glued to it. Even the learned people are no exception.
Fascination
The new age terminologies drive the younger minds. The terminologies like Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Quantum Energy,Partical physics, Bio- Medical Engineering,Genetics, Astro physics, Alternative or Green energy are the buzzword topics in career discussion. These words generate interest in the minds of youth.
At the same time artificial intelligence, Machine learning,Robotics, Big- data, Cloud technology,are in the forefront of IT interested career discussions. The younger generation is tech savvy and most of them are on their laptops or mobile for a sizable time of the day. But just being computer savvy or getting carried away by the viral topics does not lead to the right career. However, the new age terminologies are mere words and getting carried away does not lead the youth to a proper career path.
Understand the Basics
For a career in science in the new age technologies, the basic is understanding pure science. In school curriculum the depth of science subject increases from secondary level.Ahost of new topics are included in the syllabus. Studying these topics and get high score is the trend today as only the marks are taken into consideration for getting admission to a science career.
However, to get the coveted career only the good scoresare not enough. In depth basics is required which will in term lead to understand the applications and later the new technologies. In most of the curricular teaching, emphasis is not given on understanding the basics. To understand the applied aspects the in depth knowledge of theory with its applications is very essential. The very aspect is neglected as teachers and parents are happy with the high scores.
Introspect
Let us see some examples of theory and its application in the day to day life.
Potable water is the need of the life for every person.Tap water, mineral water from the sealed bottles, simple water purifier, high quality RO water purifier, distilled water, original mountain sealed water are the options available in the market. If the students are asked to explain the difference & logic behind each of them,rarely students are able to explain as the applications of technology are not taught in the curriculum.
Another simple example is about the milk and dairy products.The dairy products like Buffalo milk, Cow milk, Whole milk,Toned milk, Curd, Yogurt, Cheese, Paneer are in use daily. The students are unable to tell thedifference between milkproducts and how milkis converted into different forms. This happens because the applications are neglected in teaching process
Take the most simple things in the day to day activity like making Omelette, Boiling eggs, Preparing Tea, making filter Coffeeetc, and if the simple question is asked about the activity to students as to Tell the exact temperature and time required to get hard boiled eggs or why omelette pan is prefered than a steel metal?When to pour tea powder into the water and why? Weather the sugar is to be added into the water or in cup?Really speaking each action mentioned above is related to practical sciencebut the very aspect is missing in teaching as the emphasis on the practicals in not given
The utmost fascination of the younger generation is dreaming to be an astronaut and the attraction towards astronomy, astrophysics and being curious about rocket science is seen. The students aspire to crack JEE, however if asked simple question like what is light year, parsec measurements, simple terms like escape velocity most of the students are not aware and understand these terms.
Be Practical
These are the few examples which I come across about the career aspiration with so many students.There are always exceptions, but to learn advance science practical aspect, understanding the applications is more important. Always think of applying the theory to what you see around.If you don’t find exact answers be curious to find it. The mere words of fascinating technologies are not the career but understanding the basicsand further knowing the applications is the key to learning modern science..
———————————–
-Dr ShreeramGeet
Senior Career Counselor
