More than half of parents believe that their children would have lucrative career options if they pursue science. And 92% of them want children to have exposure in science, according to a study conducted by BrainCafe, an education provider.
While fewer parents at 28%, believe that research is a good career, around 46% think that opportunities for higher education abroad are higher for children who pursue science.
“A majority of parents between 85-95% take additional efforts to give their children further practical exposure in the subject. One out of two parents express the need for more science fairs, exhibitions, and new class room methods,” the study said.
Amongst others, there is higher interest level for environmental studies and physics. Astronomy is an area where children show interest but schools do not place as much emphasis as desired, most parents claim.
As fewer seats are available for science courses, many parents also arrange private tutors, to ensure that their children do not miss out on the scarce opportunities. The survey said that 46% felt opportunities for higher education in science to be better abroad in comparison to India. “This was opined the most by parents who wanted their children to pursue courses in pure science and medicine,” the survey said.
Amongst the career opportunities that science education offers, engineering and medicine take the lead. Within engineering, computers & IT related opportunities are more popular as told by one-third of the parents.
