Past Lectures: Case introduction

Comments from Dr. Padullaparthi

1. What prompted you decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?

"We know nothing at all. All our knowledge is but the knowledge of school children."

—Albert Einstein (Noble Laurate)

"Science was born and survives only by questions. The whole foundation of science is questioning. And as parents and teachers well know, children are the source of unending questions. Hence the child is the first scientist,"

—A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (Former President of India)

The above two quotes have definitely prompted me to encounter with high school students (rather I can say Kalam's first scientists or Einstein's intuitive minds!!). Though the time allocated to me for interaction with students is limited, I had noticed the immense curiosity of these young boys and girls to know about science.

2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?

The presentation slides of the lecture/dialogue should be as simple as possible. I have given my at most attention towards the images, simple experiments (with single and array of LEDs) and some animations (p-n Junction) / videos (fiber lasers).

3. Did you find it difficult to give a lecture in English to Japanese students? Could you give some advice to future lecturers on how to facilitate communication with Japanese students?

Giving lecture in English will never be a difficult task to Japanese students (from speaker side!). Most of the time I tried to remove little shy and inherent fear from the minds of young school students. Two things can be useful. One will be little Japanese speaking from speaker (not necessarily to be fluent!) and second will be the science teacher of class can explain in Japanese and make them understand in simple way. The English-to-Japanese translator has little effect on school students.

4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?

I had an excellent opportunity to interact with high school teachers and students. To me I am always happy to share my works/research with school children. In doing so, I am not only trying educating them, but also I educate myself. So definitely my participation has increased tons of my academic energy.

5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?

Educating young minds with simple concepts is not only meaningful, but also a big step towards the ultimate achievement of understanding (scientific/) the universe surround us. With the declining rate of admissions towards science carriers around the world, the direct contact with students and motivating them for science carriers is the best thing that any science society/academy can do in the world. I am truly delighted to have such program from JSPS fellowship.

6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?

I think this question should be answered by students themselves. My impression is that they are paying attention to know about the LEDs and LASERs which is my topic of presentation. But the language barrier hinders them to be free from interacting with the speaker.

7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?

Education is ever ending discovery of self and life. I think, this could be the starting point for speakers to decide how best they can interact with school students.

Lecture summary:

I tried to explain in simple way the concept of electron-hole recombination in a semiconductor. This has been extended to p-n junction, LED and LASER. Various types of lasers have been introduced in the presentation.
Moreover I showed the possible applications of LASERs and LEDs in a daily life. This was followed by brief introduction to India and leadership. The last slide of having a dream has good response from the students.

Other note worthy information:

1. In the beginning of dialogue, every student may be asked to introduce him/herself to the speaker. This can partially remove the inherent shy — fear and make them free during the rest of the talk.
2. In most of the JSPS fellows' presentations, fellows do not directly show their actual research, it may be better from school science teacher to explain to the students. This will have a tremendous effect as students follow teacher synchronously.
3. A visit from school to the fellows institute/university (may be named as laboratory visit) can also be considered. This can give a clear picture to the students to opt future scientific careers.