Media’s role in science stories discussed

LAHORE: Forman Journalism Society and Alif Ailaan (Pakistan’s campaign for education reforms) organised a panel discussion “Media’s role in promoting science and scientific education in Pakistan” at Forman Christian College’s Mass Communication Department here on Friday. 

The discussion was aimed at disuccing the role media could play in highlighting science related stories. 

The panelists included Dr Mudassir Hussain Shah, a professor of mass communication at FCC, Adil Arshad, assistant professor of education at FCC and Moayyed Ali Jafri, a journalist. The panelists were of the view that the media could play its role to promote scientific culture in society. They also said that the media shouldn’t be solely blamed for lack of coverage as there was no demand from public at large for such news. 

Adil Arshad said there was a gap in the academic discourse and laymen understanding of science, and academia should take this responsibility of bridging the gap between the two narratives. Moayyed Jafri said ‘infotainment’ could be a good way of promoting science and maths through shows, documentaries and dramas (on the life of scientists) - a practice already going on in western world.

Roohullah Gulzari, regional campaigner of Alif Ailaan, presented statistics about the status of science and maths education in Pakistani schools from the recently published report ‘Powering Pakistan for the 21st Century.’

The statistics portray a grim picture of education system as there are 22.6 million out-of-school children. Moreover, Pakistani schools especially government schools are producing unacceptably low levels of learning outcomes in maths and science. In Punjab, the 2016 Punjab Examinations Commission (PEC) results show that average maths scores for Class V are 53 percent and the same for science are 48 percent. These results show that students in schools across Punjab consider science, followed by mathematics, as the most difficult subjects where they achieve lowest scores.

Speakers pointed out that divisional authorities should establish linkages with state and civil society initiatives and organisations which could organise science fairs to promote interest in the masses in science and scientific education.

Other recommendations included establishment of science libraries and museums facilitating spread of scientific knowlede and studies such as astronomy and mathematics.