BRUNEI Darussalam still has a long way to go in the fields of science and technology, according to a local professional who represented the sultanate in a world conference on science and technology education.
Education Officer Dk Hjh Siti Fatimah Pg Hj Petra was sent by the Ministry of Education to attend the 2nd ICASE (International Council of Associations for Science Education) World Conference on Science and Technology Education in Perth, Australia.
The educator believed that the fields of science and technology is underdeveloped and that more can be done to promote them.
Parents, for instance, play a vital role in developing the interests of their children in science and technology, by giving them exposure in these areas from an early age, said Dk Hjh Siti Fatimah.
This can be done through encouraging children to popular media such as documentaries.
The Astro cable for instance has a number of channels that show documentaries on a wide variety of topics. These types of media, which are entertaining as well as informative, should be "harnessed and utilised", said the educator.
She also pointed out the lack of local scientists, including in the field of forensic. There is a need in Brunei for such experts, she said.
She cited the example of the recent Tutong murder, where foreign forensic scientists from Singapore had to be engaged to carry out DNA and related tests.
In some cases, the lack of local experts can be attributed to the lack of appropriate posts for those with the skills and knowledge.
Some Bruneians have undergone forensic studies and training, she said, but the absence of suitable posts have diverted them to other professions such as pharmacists. More jobs and posts should be made available to absorb and put to full use the locals who have such qualifications and to develop the scientific field in Brunei, she stressed.
The 2nd ICASE World Conference on Science and Technology Education took place July 8 to 12. It was attended by science teachers and academics from around the world.
At the conference, delegates issued the Perth Declaration on Science and Technology Education, which calls for governments around the world to promote critical awareness of the contribution of science and technology to personal, social, economic and environmental well being.
This can be done through partnerships with national stakeholders and through continuous professional development of science and technology teachers so that they can meet the changing needs and expectations of students and society.
Asri Razak
BRUNEI MUARA
18-Jul-07
The Brunei Times
Education Officer Dk Hjh Siti Fatimah Pg Hj Petra was sent by the Ministry of Education to attend the 2nd ICASE (International Council of Associations for Science Education) World Conference on Science and Technology Education in Perth, Australia.
The educator believed that the fields of science and technology is underdeveloped and that more can be done to promote them.
Parents, for instance, play a vital role in developing the interests of their children in science and technology, by giving them exposure in these areas from an early age, said Dk Hjh Siti Fatimah.
This can be done through encouraging children to popular media such as documentaries.
The Astro cable for instance has a number of channels that show documentaries on a wide variety of topics. These types of media, which are entertaining as well as informative, should be "harnessed and utilised", said the educator.
She also pointed out the lack of local scientists, including in the field of forensic. There is a need in Brunei for such experts, she said.
She cited the example of the recent Tutong murder, where foreign forensic scientists from Singapore had to be engaged to carry out DNA and related tests.
In some cases, the lack of local experts can be attributed to the lack of appropriate posts for those with the skills and knowledge.
Some Bruneians have undergone forensic studies and training, she said, but the absence of suitable posts have diverted them to other professions such as pharmacists. More jobs and posts should be made available to absorb and put to full use the locals who have such qualifications and to develop the scientific field in Brunei, she stressed.
The 2nd ICASE World Conference on Science and Technology Education took place July 8 to 12. It was attended by science teachers and academics from around the world.
At the conference, delegates issued the Perth Declaration on Science and Technology Education, which calls for governments around the world to promote critical awareness of the contribution of science and technology to personal, social, economic and environmental well being.
This can be done through partnerships with national stakeholders and through continuous professional development of science and technology teachers so that they can meet the changing needs and expectations of students and society.
Asri Razak
BRUNEI MUARA
18-Jul-07
The Brunei Times
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