This is with reference to the report “Schools to improve science education” (Nov. 28). The best way to improve science education at the school level is to do away with unnecessary theoretical assignments and introduce more practical work, instead. With the introduction and promotion of a more practical approach, pupils with interest in science will get a boost in their innovative thinking.

Without practical work, students are more inclined toward rote learning. It is a proven fact that practical work helps in better understanding of a subject, issue or theory. It encourages a person to think deeply and come up with his/her own ideas that ultimately leads to new inventions or innovations.

As a matter of fact, our entire education system needs a major overhaul with great emphasis on practical work. Even in the realm of social sciences, a practical approach is more beneficial in understanding various social theories. We tend to follow the West when it comes to fashion and style but ignore the most important thing the West has to offer us i.e. its effective education system. Many people would argue that many western educationists are critical of their own system of education. They can afford to do that but we have yet to reach the point from where the West shot to the top of the world. We should accept the fact that we are way behind the West in terms of education and scientific progress. The western system of education is set to evolve into a more effective one. The main purpose of education is to enable a person to differentiate between right and wrong and to come up with ideas for the collective benefits of the mankind. Unfortunately, in our part of the world we see education as an exercise to gain employment and to lead a happy life ever after.