Browsing by Author "Al Amin, Md"

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An exploratory study of imperialism and English language in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2019-04) Islam, Tahsina; Al Amin, Md
This research explored the existence of linguistic imperialism, intentionally or unintentionally, in different sectors of Bangladesh. This study discussed how majority of the sectors of our country are invaded linguistically by English, and it is ultimately encouraging intrusion of foreign or western culture in our culture. Therefore, by mingling to our culture it is deteriorating our cultural traditions and values. The study also explored the reasons that are triggering this linguistic imperialism by showing different aspects of the education system of English Medium Schools and how it is affecting the Bengali Medium Schools’ students as well. Moreover, it also explored various experiences of the professional people who stated that this invasion of English creates difficulty for a huge number of people. Qualitative research design was chosen for this research as it allowed me to investigate the phenomena in detail. Data for this research came from various sources and collected through interviews, observations and documents analysis and some of them are reported in storied form. This study is significant as it portrayed a rich picture of the nature of linguistic imperialism in Bangladesh but the phenomena is hardly noticed.
An exploratory study of teaching and learning English in rural primary schools in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2019-12) Tasnim, Sadia; Al Amin, Md
This study explores the English teaching-learning scenario at the primary schools of a remote area of Bangladesh. It emphasizes on English learning of primary level because primary education is the foundation of an individual’s life and English, an academic subject of Bangladeshi curriculum, is one of the most dominant languages in today’s world. Primary education in Bangladesh is one of the neglected areas of education. Moreover, the primary education scenario in remote and rural areas in Bangladesh is very bleak. This study, Qualitative in nature, explores a rich picture of teaching and learning in rural primary schools in Bangladesh. The final results suggested that the schools of this area follow the traditional way of teaching with particular focus on grammar and memorization. It also found that there is hardly any modern facilities of teaching in those schools. Most of the teachers did not get any chance to attend any training and private tuitions were preferred than the schooling. It also found that memorization is valued over creativity and teachers hardly encourage students to think creatively.
Appropriateness of EAP courses at tertiary level: an intra-university study in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2018-08) Nahiyan, Sheikh; Al Amin, Md
The existing research works of ELT in the context of Bangladesh, either focus on the implementation of language teaching methodologies, its issues and how the teacher’s role is essential to language learning and development. Additionally, most of these works mainly focus on primary, secondary and higher secondary levels of education, in which problems are pointed out and suggestions made, to better facilitate language learning and development for the English language learners of the country. Then again, there is a lack of research that explores the gap that exists in their expected English language proficiency level in comparison to their actual proficiency level when they start higher education at the tertiary level institutions of the country. Thus, this dissertation has come into existence to understand how the gap is fulfilled in the tertiary level education, through the EAP (English for Academic Purposes) courses offered in the university. As the revised National Education Policy (2010) requires all universities to have a three-credit hour EAP course, therefore, a more detailed review of such courses is mandatory. Most of the existing ELT research work in Bangladesh, especially in the tertiary context, have not focused on solely documenting students’ experiences and opinions. In the following dissertation, the effectiveness of EAP courses at the tertiary level, entirely from students’ perspectives has been documented. The researcher has conducted a cross-sectional longitudinal qualitative study, where students’ responses were collected and processed to find the best possible answers to the research questions driving this study.
Challenges of teaching productive language skills: A case study of an English medium school in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 12/31/2019) Islam, Marjan; Al Amin, Md
Enhancing speaking and writing abilities in English now a days has become a mandatory part for a student. In almost every sector including jobs, higher education, travel and tourism, science and international communication good speaking and writing abilities in English are essential. This study investigates an English medium school teachers’ and students’ approaches approach to complete this research and I used interviews and observation extensively to collect data. The results reveal some significant findings and conclusions. Teachers of this school use various techniques so that students can develop their writing skills. Students also adopted various strategies to improve their speaking and writing skills. Finally, this study provides some suggestions to improve students’ overall English skills and what steps school and other stakeholders can take to improve students’ overall language skills.
English version in Bangladesh: the awkward middle child that needs desperate attention
(BRAC University, 2021-09) Taz, Sabir; Al Amin, Md
This study, qualitative in nature, explores learning and teaching in an English version school in Bangladesh. English Version has never been able to live up to its full potential due to countless unattended issues. While the English medium schools offer schooling following British or American curricula, the English version of various schools offer the national curriculum in English. It is often stated that this approach fails for various reasons. One of the reasons is that equivalent Bangla textbooks are available to students and many students find it easy to read those texts than books in English. Data for this study collected through online interviews, recorded and then analyzed thematically. Findings suggested that poorly translated textbooks, little to no practice of English among students and teachers, and lack of interactive classroom environment are some of the many major issues of English Version that need desperate attention.
English writing activities and students’ perception of teachers’ feedback in urban Bangla medium higher-secondary schools in Bangladesh
(2024-05) Mustakim, Md Siraat; Al Amin, Md
This Study investigates the current English writing activities and teachers’ feedback in the context of urban Bangla medium Higher secondary school students. This research explores the frequency of writing activities held in class, the perception of the students concerning teachers’ feedback and the changes they bring after receiving the feedback. A qualitative research methodology was employed in this study where seven students from four different urban institutes were interviewed to grasp the students’ perspective about the issues. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded and the categorized based on the themes of the research questions. The major findings included non-existing writing activities in classrooms, students’ perception of the feedback being hollow and meaningless, and students’ lack of scope to do meaningful changes in their writing after receiving the feedback. This study finds the current method of providing feedback to be ineffective in identifying the errors and it lacks the scope to make meaningful changes in English writing.
Investigating Potential Therapeutics for Bacterial and Cancerous Diseases: Silver Nanoparticles as a Choice
(2024-02-24) Nafady, Mohamed; Bin Emran, Talha; Pratap Singh, Laliteshwar; Suchitra, D; Akiful Haque, M; Joshi, Neha; B Parmar, Akil; Al Amin, Md; Shahriar, S. M. Shatil; Nainu, Firzan
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been identified as an efficient antibacterial representative capable of combating bacteria that cause infections. AgNPs have antibacterial properties against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and multidrug-resistant pathogens. AgNPs have various contemporary modes of action, and when used in conjunction with antibacterial agents such as chemical combinations or antibiotics, they have a synergic activity on bacteria pathogens. AgNPs have been extensively researched as components of sophisticated anti-cancer medications for improving cancer management in the clinic. The reduction of substances on silver ions often produces AgNPs. Living organisms and natural products, moreover, exceptional cascade for synthesizing AgNPs harbingers. AgNPs have properties that make them excellent for use in medical and healthcare goods, where they can effectively reduce the risk of developing infections. This review discusses the antibacterial and anti-cancer properties of AgNPs, and the benefits of using AgNPs as a novel, effective antibacterial combination with antibiotics, which will lessen the dosage required and avoid potential hazards.
Investigating the impact of facebook on developing English language proficiency at the tertiary level students in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2019-04) Rahman, Maliha; Al Amin, Md
It has been a very controversial topic in today’s world that, whether Facebook is helping or hampering in students’ education. It is mostly affecting the students who tend to learn ESL with the assistance of social media. This research paper specifically focused on how Facebook is affecting Bangladeshi tertiary level ESL learners. Furthermore how students are getting affected unconsciously or subconsciously by it. In Bangladesh using Facebook as an educational tool has still yet to become a common matter. But students are still getting affected by it subconsciously. For collecting the data mixed method was applied. So the research consist both quantitative and qualitative data. For research the survey was conducted among 51 students from different departments of a reputed university and interviews were also taken from same university’s senior students majoring in ELT. The research suggested, Facebook has become quite beneficial for the Bangladeshi students. It is helping them to stay connected with their studies. With proper guidance from the facilitators, it can be used as a very productive educational tool. Although it is not possible to turn the whole language learning system based only on Facebook, but blending Facebook with traditional teaching style can be very effective and helpful for both the students and facilitators. From saving time to creating a good relation among everyone, it can make a huge difference in learning method. If the disadvantages of this can be controlled properly, this blending method can be a turning point for the students of Bangladesh who are learning English as a second language.
Motivation and attitude towards learning English during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: a mixed methods study
(BRAC University, 2021-09) Sony, Md. Shams Al Samir; Al Amin, Md
The study examines motivations and attitudes towards learning English among a leading private University's undergraduate Computer Science and Engineering students. It examines whether the participants are motivated to study English either instrumentally or integratively. The study explores whether students are more or less enthusiastic about learning English due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The study also considers learner attitudes towards English language acquisition in Bangladeshi social, educational, linguistic, and cultural contexts. Forty-Five students were chosen randomly from the 'Computer Science and Engineering Department' of a top-ranked private university to participate in the study. The data were collected using a questionnaire and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis with SPSS version 26. The quantitative analysis showed that a student's motivation to study English is highly integrative and instrumental. The findings also revealed that students have higher integrative motivation than instrumental motivation. During the interview, the majority of the students cited instrumental causes for their desire to study English. The data also suggested that, as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, students are now more eager to learn English. Also, due to online-based virtual learning, students believe that learning the English language is more essential now than in the pre-pandemic period. Findings also revealed that students have very positive attitudes towards the English based education system in Bangladesh. The findings also revealed that Students are also quite interested in the culture of the English-speaking world. Moreover, students have a positive attitude regarding the English language.
My journey as a teacher: a report on my internship at an english medium school.
(BRAC University, 2018-08) Anisha, Farhana; Al Amin, Md
This report is based on the experience that I gathered during my internship in Fulbright School (pseudonym) focusing on a self-evaluation of my teaching. I had high expectation for bringing out the best from the students and always tried to motivate the students. There were mix of different kinds of students. I tried to establish a good teacher-student relationship and understand each student treating them individually and making proper assessment. I always tried to maintain professionalism and a good relationship with colleagues. In this paper I also mentioned about reflective practice, qualities of good and effective teacher, Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), task-based teaching, selecting best method for teaching and some challenges of teaching in Bangladeshi context. I always tried to make progress by using different methods depending on the context. This paper also includes various problems and obstacles that I had during my internship and how did I overcome those ensuring a good and safe learning environment. Here, I talked about what I learnt from this journey and how I can use this experience in my future teaching. I also gave recommendations that should be implemented to make the learning process better and more effective.
Private tuition in English in Bangladeshi secondary education: reasons, necessities and outcomes
(BRAC University, 2021-05) Mohona, Maisha Tasnim; Al Amin, Md
Private tutoring in English (PT‟E) is a staple in Bangladesh. However, how much it actually benefits the stagnating English education system – due to many factors such as the priority of grades over skills – in the country is not well researched. Therefore, this study explores indepth the Bangladeshi students‟ psycho-social factors, or how social factors affect an individual‟s decision-making processes and overall behavior, that perhaps lead them to choose PT‟E. The study is conducted using the phenomenological approach by taking interviews of the 22 Bangla medium students from class six to class ten. The data analysis involved coding of the data and subsequent convergence into themes from the transcription. The main findings include the fact that PT‟E is an established practice in Bangladesh, which is nowadays sustained by psycho-social aspects like mental duress, high social expectations, and the extreme perceived necessity of English for the future. In addition, the academic disarray of the country, including a lack of planning and overwhelming student to teacher ratio, serves as further incentives for PT‟E. Unfortunately, despite the overwhelming popularity PT‟E, it has to a large extent failed to garner communicative competence.
Socio- psychological barriers to effective language learning in adult EFL classroom in context of Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2019-04) Sharmin, Sumaiya; Al Amin, Md
This paper inspects the socio-psychological barriers that adult learners face in classrooms while learning a foreign language, in this case, English. It also studies how these barriers are working negatively for the whole learning process. The context of this research is Bangladesh, and qualitative data were collected through face to face and online interviews. To learn about the experiences of the adult learners, the researcher conducted research on 21 adult students who are currently taking foreign language learning courses. The interviews reveal five significant challenges that adult learners face, such as fear of new language, previous learning experience, classroom anxiety, age and motivation. Most of the existing literatures work on how the issues with classroom management, teachers training, teaching methods etc. can be barriers to the learning process whereas this study enlists all the socio psychological issues that adult learners face by analyzing real life experiences of the participants.
Students’ perception on high-stakes English language testing in Bangladesh: expectations vs reality
(BRAC University, 2021-09) Amin, Rafsana; Al Amin, Md
This study critically examines students’ perception on high-stakes English language testing in Bangladesh. Every year thousands of students in their Primary, Junior Secondary, Secondary and Higher Secondary level, attend high-stakes tests whose results play a significant role in shaping their future. Even though these tests are a common phenomenon in Bangladeshi society, not enough research is done to investigate how the students are viewing these tests, how much mental pressure they are facing while attempting to meet up the expectations of society and parents relating to these tests results. Hence, this study specifically addresses students’ voice and experiences to examine how high-stakes English language tests are helping to develop students’ language skills. This is a qualitative study and the participants are some of the higher secondary level students. Data for this study were mainly collected through interviews and analysed thematically. The conclusion drawn from students’ responses suggested that there lies a wide range of mismatch between the curriculum and assessment practices which is resulted due to lack of efficient teachers having enough pedagogic literacy, lacking in providing enough facilities and resources to facilitate successful English language teaching and testing. Yet, attempts are being made to overcome those challenges so that quality education can be ensured. By highlighting the students’ perspective in this study, the researcher provides a picture of the drawbacks of current English language testing so that necessary steps can be taken to overcome the challenges.
Teaching english in rural schools: a case study of three primary schools in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2019-04) Sharmin, Morsheda; Al Amin, Md
This study explored opportunities and difficulties of teaching English in rural primary schools in Bangladesh. Rural schools are lagged behind in many ways than the city schools. Most of the cases there is hardly any modern facilities available in those schools. Moreover, these schools have hardly any trained and qualified English teachers. As a result the condition of English teaching in those schools are very poor. Qualitative research design is used for this study as I wanted to understand the phenomena in depth and it allows me to present a rich picture of English teaching in rural schools. Interviews, classroom observation and focus group discussion are the three instruments of data collection. The significance of this study lies in presenting a rich and detail description of the teaching English in rural schools. Although it may not be appropriate to generalize English teaching in rural areas based on data from three schools, this study provides valuable data of teaching English in rural areas. It also suggested some ways to overcome these barriers. Finally some recommendations were made for different stakeholders so that it helps to improve the teaching and learning situations in the rural primary schools.
The expansion of private tutoring in english in rural Bangladesh: perceptions of students, parents, and teachers on effectiveness, ethicality, and government regulations regarding private tutoring in english
(BRAC University, 2019-08) Islam, Md. Jubaydul; Al Amin, Md
Though the shadow of PT-E (Private Tutoring in English) has been evolving to its best there has not been adequate research on PT-E in Bangladesh. However, in the recent years, PT (Private Tutoring) has engrossed researchers' attention as the government of Bangladesh has imposed some regulations on PT that have been followed by a High Court verdict in support of the government. The government has imposed some uniform policies while English teaching-learning scenarios in Bangladesh are diverse in terms of context and in terms of stakeholders’ responses. Question arises, will these uniform regulations be beneficial to all of the students of Bangladesh, and how does this question can be answered? Hence, based on the specific context of the study, this qualitative research attempts to explore and document the responses of students, parents, and teachers’ perceptions on effectiveness, ethicality & government regulation regarding PT-E. The researcher has interviewed twelve students, five parents, and four teachers from three different institutions of a rural region of Bangladesh to explore their perceptions regarding PT-E. This research has explored that PT-E is beneficial to students as they understand English lectures better in PT class than of school-class lectures, they get chance for regular practice and assessment, and they get individual feedback in private tuition. Parents think their children become more regular and serious in studying English when students take private tuition in English. Teachers believe they can serve better in private tutoring class as less and manageable number of students are taught in each private tutoring batch, and they can put required quality attention to individual students. Most of the participants believe there is nothing unethical in taking private tuition or in doing PT as long as students get the freedom of choosing their private tutor, and the number of students in a batch are between 25-30. Moreover, students, parents, and teachers are satisfied with some of the section of government regulations, however, for having better teaching-learning outcome, they have recommended some changes in those prescribed regulations.