In
recent years, there has been a significant decline in the number of students
choosing science subjects over business subjects in Ireland. Despite a higher
points requirement for business-related courses, the preference for business
over science remains. Last year, only a small percentage of Leaving Cert
students opted for chemistry (12%) and physics (16%). The decline in science
enrollment has been substantial, with a 43% drop in students taking science at
diploma and certificate levels since 1996.
To address this issue, the Irish government has proposed a €178 million scheme recommended by the Task Force on the Physical Sciences. The task force, chaired by Dr. Danny O'Hare, emphasizes the critical role of science and engineering in Ireland's economic future.
There are several reasons behind the decline in science interest. Some attribute it to the secondary science curriculum, which is exam-driven and considered challenging to teach and learn, particularly for physics and chemistry. Students' perception of teaching quality is also an issue, with some finding traditional teaching methods unengaging and dull.
The lack of a practical dimension as provided by hands-on experiments is also a problem. Too much theory and not enough practical work has caused science to become uninteresting. There is evidence that better teaching methods can inspire interest in children and teenagers.
Another contributing factor is the shortage of qualified science teachers at the secondary level. Few trained chemists or physicists pursue teaching careers. Additionally, the lack of a clear career path after obtaining a science degree discourages students from pursuing science, as business-related degrees appear to offer better job prospects.
The lack of a clear career path after getting a science degree is also a problem for many students.
"It's not relevant to real life," states one Dublin student. "I couldn't see myself being a scientist."
The pre-exam pressure on students also mixes badly with the difficulty of science subjects. Students spend two years studying to prepare for one month of Leaving Cert exams, while attempting to lead a normal life. With the stresses of teenage life and the pressure of exams, many students believe these subjects are too difficult to study.
The pressure of pre-exam preparation coupled with the perceived difficulty of science subjects deters students from choosing science. Many students believe these subjects are too challenging to study.
The Task Force on the Physical Sciences believes that the proposed investment is crucial to reversing the decline in science enrollment. Without a concerted effort to boost science education, the potential benefits of attracting overseas investment could be wasted.
"Ireland's economic future depends critically on the number of young people doing science and engineering,"
The unanswered question is why students are turning their back on science subjects. Some blame the secondary science curriculum. Ireland's examination-driven approach makes the teaching and learning of physics and chemistry more difficult.
"They think that if they say what they know, hand out a few sheets and give the students work for the following day, the students will be interested and soak it all up."
There are several reasons behind the decline in science interest. Some attribute it to the secondary science curriculum, which is exam-driven and considered challenging to teach and learn, particularly for physics and chemistry. Students' perception of teaching quality is also an issue, with some finding traditional teaching methods unengaging and dull.
The lack of a practical dimension as provided by hands-on experiments is also a problem. Too much theory and not enough practical work has caused science to become uninteresting. There is evidence that better teaching methods can inspire interest in children and teenagers.
Another contributing factor is the shortage of qualified science teachers at the secondary level. Few trained chemists or physicists pursue teaching careers. Additionally, the lack of a clear career path after obtaining a science degree discourages students from pursuing science, as business-related degrees appear to offer better job prospects.
The lack of a clear career path after getting a science degree is also a problem for many students.
"It's not relevant to real life," states one Dublin student. "I couldn't see myself being a scientist."
The pre-exam pressure on students also mixes badly with the difficulty of science subjects. Students spend two years studying to prepare for one month of Leaving Cert exams, while attempting to lead a normal life. With the stresses of teenage life and the pressure of exams, many students believe these subjects are too difficult to study.
The pressure of pre-exam preparation coupled with the perceived difficulty of science subjects deters students from choosing science. Many students believe these subjects are too challenging to study.
The Task Force on the Physical Sciences believes that the proposed investment is crucial to reversing the decline in science enrollment. Without a concerted effort to boost science education, the potential benefits of attracting overseas investment could be wasted.
"Ireland's economic future depends critically on the number of young people doing science and engineering,"
The unanswered question is why students are turning their back on science subjects. Some blame the secondary science curriculum. Ireland's examination-driven approach makes the teaching and learning of physics and chemistry more difficult.
"They think that if they say what they know, hand out a few sheets and give the students work for the following day, the students will be interested and soak it all up."