Srinagar: Stressing on the need to transform the educational sector in Kashmir, eminent educationists and experts Friday called for introducing learning methodology to stimulate scientific temper among students and focusing on project based learning in line with top global standards.
They were speaking at a conference titled ‘Quality Education and 21st century challenges’ organised by Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK).
Addressing the conference Prof Dr Qazi S Azhar of Michigan State University USA said that upgrading the quality of school to higher levels is need of the hour. He said that Kashmir is full of potential and given the right education they can achieve wonders.
Prof Qazi said that it is time to “Say no to Science Exhibitions” and “Say Yes to Science Fairs.” He said that we need to ignite scientific temperament among the students with creative interventions in teaching. “Inventions by students and project based learning should be made common,” Prof Qazi stressed.
The others speakers also recommended similar measures to further strengthen the school education in Kashmir.
Prof Qayoom Hussain, Vice Chancellor Cluster University who was the Chief Guest on the occasion while addressing the gathering said that although the higher education sector in Kashmir is not at a level where it should have been but with initiatives like the current conference and other measures, the future looks bright for school education. He said that sound school education will ultimately help strengthening the higher education sector.
Recalling his tenure at Aligarh Muslim University, Prof Qayoom said I have seen at Aligarh how Kashmiri students have made their name. “They are among the brightest lots in Aligarh and their calibre and merit is second to none,” he said while hoping to replicate similar success in Kashmiri institutes too. He said that it is good to see that the private sector is working hard to upgrade the school education system and the same will ultimately benefit the entire society.
Director Education Dr Tasaduq Hussain who was Guest of Honour on the occasion said that Government is trying its best to bridge the learning gaps. He said that Government is making all efforts to boost the academic environment.
Dr Ashraf Head of Department (HOD) Nanotechnology National Institute of Technology (NIT) was also present on the occasion. He stressed the need for private sector friendly policies for child centric education.
President PSAJK G N Varin his address highlighted the work done by the association and its future roadmap to help enhance the school education system.
Educationists Vijay Dhar and Dr CL Vishen also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the need of providing quality education to each and every student both in private and public sector. Madan Kaul, Prof Vijay Kumar of NIT, Dr Ruqaya, Humayun Qaiser and senior Education leaders also participated in the conference.
