[Assam] Fwd: course info: Teaching Maths/Science

[umesh sharma]

It seems my dreams are getting realized --though one at a time. If it works out I might become the sole expert in the field -as far as Indians are concerned.
   
  Umesh
   
  PS: This is what I wanted to do when I had applied to Harvard -learn how to teach math and science better (besides how US govt run schools are running so well -compared to Indian ones)

umesh sharma <jaipurschool at yahoo.com> wrote:
  Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 14:59:22 +0100 (BST)
From: umesh sharma <jaipurschool at yahoo.com>
Subject: course info: Teaching Maths/Science
To: perloba at gse.harvard.edu, IEP Program <iep at gse.harvard.edu>

        Dr Perlo,
   
  Madam,
   
  I am an admitted student of the IEP program for Fall 2004 , from India. 
   
  Faced for the first time with a wide array of courses to choose from - I'm somewhat bewildered. 
   
  Having gone through most the course websites of IEP program - I gathered that I'm really interested in the Methods of  Educational measurement (a weak point in Indian system)-so I'm brushing up my statistical skills. 
   
  Being a BA -Economics (hons) I'm hoping to go for the higher course than the "Mirco Economics of Educators" , so I'm brushing up my eco skills as well.
   
  Having been involved with teaching and demonstrating Maths and Science for the past 5 years (besides administrative work) at a K 12 school, I have always felt something amiss in Indian approach . The focus has always been on bookish learning - there was precious little else. 
   
  We do have practical science classes -right from grade 3 onwards -where they prepare models/experiments for the science exhibition -but in general, Indian science is primarily bookish. 
   
  During my schooling, I  never was given an opportunity to go  inside a science lab before 9th grade -and from then on too only for mechanically performing the fixed set of experiments.
   
  Perhaps it is because of this apathy towards practical science -right from school level - that Indian scientific research is non existent .
   
  Since sitting at computers does not require as high a  level of involvement - between a student and teacher -as in practical science or maths - Indians are better at computers/software designing.T he student can practise by himself/herself on the computer without the school authorities fearing any breakages of lab apparatus (as of  science test tubes, burettes, china dishes etc)
   
  Though getting a chance to participate in supervised science/math teaching praticum would have been even better, which I realise is reserved for those focused only on teaching science -the TEP program( I'm glad IEP porgram equips me with a whole range of strategies useful for school education), I wish to get an opportunity to learn the skills of designing teaching strategies which make the students' learning  of science/math stimulating. 
   
  Since it is in the formative years of grades 3 to 8 the children develop (dis)liking for science/math, I am especially interested in teaching strategies aimed at them.
   
   If  I take the Massachusetts Teaching licensure subject tests for science/math teacher ,just after reaching Boston, in Aug 2004 hopefully, would I be allowed to enroll for the courses " Teaching Math" or "Teaching Science"?
   
  Science/Math skills are crucial to growth of any economy -esp a developing one such as India. I was hoping that I might be given a chance  to get indepth knowlededge for improving this  crucial area as well.
   
  Thank you for devoting so much time to go through this long mail.
   
  Yours sincerely,
   
  Umesh
  Jaipur,
  Rajasthan, India
  phone: 91 141 3107188 (cell)
   
   



    
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Umesh Sharma
5121 Lackawanna ST
College Park, MD 20740

 1-202-215-4328 [Cell Phone]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

weblog: http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
 		
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