A National Seminar on the theme of ‘New Dimensions in Teaching, Learning & Assessment in Science Education ’Organized by Faculty of Education, Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya in Collaboration with Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST)
Brief Report : The twenty-first century was distinguished from humanity’s previous history by the unprecedented progress in science and technology. Within the context of sustainable development, it is now recognized that no modern society is imaginable without the support of science and technology, and most countries place high value on science and technology as a means towards development. Acknowledging the need and importance of innovations in Science Education, Faculty of Education, Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya in Collaboration with Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST) organized a National Seminar on the theme of ‘New Dimensions in Teaching, Learning & Assessment in Science Education ’. There were 138 registrations out of which there were 81 College Teachers, School Teachers, Research Scholars and B.Ed. / M.Ed. trainees who presented their study / research papers. This Seminar was directed by Prof. Vinaben Patel and Dr.Sanjay Gupta was the Convener of this Seminar.There was a Key Note Address delivered by Dr. A.R. Jani who is presently serving as the Hon. Director SICART, S.P. University and was a former Prof & Director: UGC, Human Resource Development Centre, Head, PG Dept. of Physics and Dean: Faculty of Science, S.P. University, Anand. Dr. A.R. Jani through his broad educational experience highlighted ‘Why is science education important in our schools?’. We are surrounded by technology and the products of science every day. Public policy decisions that affect every aspect of our lives are based in scientific evidence. And, of course, the immensely complex natural world that surrounds us illustrates infinite scientific concepts. As children grow up in an increasingly technologically and scientifically advanced world, they need to be scientifically literate to succeed. He emphasized that innovation in education is an ongoing process and is needed every once in a while to keep thing healthy and engaging for students as well as teachers. Innovation in education is defined as “the process of making changes to something established by introducing something new.” Students today are on lookout for challenges and opportunities that helps them explore and connect to outside world for better opportunities. And so, they challenge educators to be innovative and to make learning environments more exciting, challenging and rewarding for them.There were two expert sessions arranged on two relevant themes.The first expert session was by Dr. Bharatsinh M. Gohil who is the I/c Head, Department of Life Sciences, at M.K. University, Bhavanagar on the theme of ‘Active Learning Approach’ in which he introduced concept of active learning, demonstrated some techniques & activities related to the use of ALA in teaching – learning and motivated the participants to incorporate active learning into your future teaching.The second expert session was delivered by Dr. Vijaya Yanduri, who is an Assistant Professor, School of Education, Central University of Gujarat- Gandhinagar. She has contributed significantly in developing and propagating e applications and innovative methodology at various levels for government and private ventures. Dr. Vijaya delivered a very reflective and thought provoking demonstrative session on the theme of ‘ICT Based Innovative Teaching-Learning and Assessment practices in Science Education’.The seminar encompassed wide range of beneficiaries like School teachers, Teacher Educators, Science College Lecturers and P.G & Doctorate Research Scholars of Educational Institutions of India and abroad and B.Ed. M.Ed. trainees. Total 138 Participants delivered their papers on the topics like :