School science books incomprehensible

From left, Dr Zeba Islam Seraj, Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Prof Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, educationist Rasheda K Chowdhury and Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam at the publication ceremony of “Bigyaner Mojar Pathshala”, an illustrated science book designed mainly for the students of class VI, at the capital's Sheltech tower yesterday. Photo: Courtesy

School level science books are written in a way that makes them incomprehensible to the students, said noted educationists yesterday.
While the percentage of science students is declining, making the books suitable for young students could popularise science again, they hoped.
They were addressing the launch of “Bigyaner Mojar Pathshala”, an illustrated science book designed mainly for the students of class VI, at the capital's Sheltech tower.
The book, edited by Dr Zeba Islam Seraj, was published by Seraj Foundation.
“Science books are badly written. Even I don't understand them. How would the children understand these books?” said Prof Muhammad Zafar Iqbal.
He added, “If the authorities tried, good books could be handed to all students in only a year. But nobody seems to bother.”
Eminent educationist Rasheda K Chowdhury opined the National Curriculum and Textbook Board had failed to grasp the level of children's thoughts.
She added that well-written books would benefit the students of rural areas whose level of knowledge tend to be lower than the urban students.
Eminent litterateur Syed Manzoorul Islam commended the book for its readability.
Noted civil engineer Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury also spoke at the event.