Has Covid Learning Gap Influenced Science Literacy?-

A Study of Hyderabad based Secondary & Post-Secondary Students

Abstract

Science literacy in a general sense has become synonymous with understanding science by public. The goals of science education can be expressed as scientific literacy.

The present study explores the extent of science literacy among the students of secondary and post-secondary levels through a set of questions standardized and validated for the purpose. The study also explores the possible difference in science literacy level on some of the basic demographic variables and the scheme of syllabus followed by the school. This research is based on primary data collected from secondary and post-secondary level students from select schools in Hyderabad. The sample was drawn from students studying 10th-11th standards.

On the whole the data reveals that science literacy is low among the respondents. This, despite high cognitive level questions not being used in the test. Analysis of data on demographic variables shows that boys tend to be significantly better at science literacy scores. So also, age has a significant impact on science literacy (those who are 15 years old fare better). Students attending private schools show a significantly better science literacy score. Students of those schools following ICSE, CBSE syllabus as opposed to Telangana State syllabus for studies score significantly better on science literacy.

The general low science literacy scores could be due to learning deficiency during Covid years. There is a need for follow up studies to ascertain whether the students in the coming years would have successfully coped up with the deficiency.