Why engineers should not become scientists

Number of words: 183 Gradually, I became aware of the difference between science and technology, between research and development. Science is inherently open ended and exploratory. Development is a closed loop. Mistakes are imperative in development and are made every day to but each mistake is used for modification, upgradation or betterment. Probably the creator … Read more

Science’s success is due to the trivial nature of the questions it answers

Number of words: 233 A normal child, left to himself with proper love and guidance, is not immobilized by the fear of failure. He, in finding ways to remain civilized, will naturally ask himself an important question: In what way do I see my own success without hindrance to that of others? His primary problem … Read more

Calcutta’s School for copying in exams!

Number of words: 120 Extract from India today. One enterprising soul, going by the name of Geeta Pal, claims to have set up the Pal Tookli tutorial home at Phulka near Shantipur that specialises in teaching students the art of cheating in an examination. Commuters travelling from Sealdah station at Calcutta recently were handed leaflets … Read more

School is a filter not a dam

Number of words: 448 There is need on part of parents and public to return to the traditional values of the past. With the social sciences occupying centerstage today only because they are capable of empirical proof to a certain degree, we have devalued man, subjecting him to the same evidence that the physical sciences … Read more

Role of Frequent Feedback and Rewards in Academic Progress

Number of words: 225 The programmed school puts an emphasis on the learner rather than the teacher. The learner is kept active by the feedback provided. While it can be quite helpful to the student in the earlier stages it becomes less so later. By omitting sections which have already been mastered, the bright student … Read more

Relative grading does not work

Number of words: 339 Despite certain obvious advantages, competitive examinations, like competitive sport, have destroyed so much that is potentially good and the return to the individual and to society for this loss has been questionable and meagre. If this principle is accepted then the present curriculum will need radical restructuring. The present vocational biased … Read more