In what is being seen as good news for lakhs of students in Punjab who found it difficult to pursue sciences in English medium, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will start these subjects in their native language, Punjabi, as an option from the next academic session.
Students of Class 11 and 12 at government and private schools affiliated to PSEB will have an option to study physics, chemistry and biology subjects in their mother tongue.
The education department is working on translation of books for the session and the translation of science textbooks from English to Punjabi is underway in Jalandhar. As many as seven teachers here have been assigned the task.
While translation of the chemistry textbook of Class 11 has been completed, the same for biology and physics is under process, was learnt.
The board will not change the syllabus next year and will follow the books written by the National Centre for Education Research and Training (NCERT) only.
“It is a good initiative by the education department as rural students will now be more confident and will pursue sciences. Many students used to refrain themselves from opting for the science earlier as they were not good with English language,” said Sanjivan Dhadwal, one of the teachers involved in the translation project.
“Earlier, I was thinking to opt for humanities in Class 11 despite having interest in sciences. But I am happy over the decision and I will opt for science now,” said an elated student.
{{/usCountry}}“Earlier, I was thinking to opt for humanities in Class 11 despite having interest in sciences. But I am happy over the decision and I will opt for science now,” said an elated student.
{{/usCountry}}“Terminology such as cell, protozoa, bacteria etc will not be altered so the meaning,” said Sanjivan.
“With this, the number of science students will rise manifold,” said a science teacher from a government school.
Education minister Daljit Singh Cheema said, “Students perform better and excel in their mother tongue and that is why we took this decision.”
“We have also formulated a teacher-training policy in which teachers will be given training on various subjects. In case special training is required, it will be provided,” Cheema said.
However, some students and teachers expressed reservation over this, saying after completing Class 12, they could face problem pursuing higher studies.
“Though it seems interesting only the time will tell whether it will be a success or not. The language will again be a constraint if students appear in civil services or other competitive examinations,” said a government schoolteacher.