Science Education for National Development: Indian Perspective

Abstract

Developments in science and technology have enabled human beings to deal with their problems and to improve their living standards. Many developing countries including India have embarked on achieving economic progress by investing in these disciplines. A multipronged strategy to use science for national development was worked out and implemented over a span of about half a century in India. In addition to making available science education to a larger population by establishing adequate number of educational institutions, it made efforts in teacher preparation and development of instructional material. Systematic attempts were also undertaken to conduct research in science education and make the findings available to the system. Apart from improving teaching of science in schools and colleges, India attempted to achieve progress through a variety of supporting activities like nurture of science talent, spread of scientific literacy and establishment of R&D institutions. These efforts resulted in the development of trained manpower that facilitated the industrial growth within the country. A case of India is presented in the chapter by highlighting the strategy used to achieve social and economic development by improving the status of science education and by undertaking supporting activities.