Science Literacy among Secondary & Post-Secondary Students: A Study of Hyderabad-based Schools

Abstract

This research explores the extent of science literacy among the students of secondary and post-secondary levels through a set of questions standardised and validated for the purpose. The study also considers the possible difference in science literacy levels 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 a sample of 823 students studying 10th-11th standards from select schools in Hyderabad. The analysis of the survey data indicates the following:  On the whole, 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;  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. This is probably due to over-emphasis on grades in private schools;  Students of those schools following the ICSE, and CBSE syllabi as opposed to the Telangana State syllabus for studies score significantly better on science literacy;  Learning deficits during the COVID years may have affected science literacy performance among the respondent group.