Master of Arts in English

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An exploration of the functions of english in urban Bangladesh: investigation of people’s attitude
(BRAC University, 2019-04) Rahman, S. M. Sanzana; Al Amin, Md.
In present world, use of English language is prominent in every part of people’s lives, even in countries where English is not the native tongue. In a developing country like Bangladesh, people are using English in different social spheres, which in turn is increasing its role in formation of people’s identity. In this paper, the researcher has adopted a qualitative approach to collect data primarily from 10 Dhaka city dwellers to create a sociolinguistic profile to portray different usages of English language, understand people’s attitude towards the language, and examine it role on identity creation. The research has suggested that English has different functional needs in urban Bangladeshi context, and people give higher status to this language. Meanwhile, there is still a lot time needed in order to form a distinct Bangladeshi English variety in Bangladesh. The findings of this research will be beneficial to people interested to study the spread of English language in Bangladesh from the lenses of World Englishes. Finally, it can be useful for policymakers who are in charge of making language planning decisions.
An exploratory study of English teaching and learning in three Alia Madrasahs of Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2019-08) Haque, Sazzadul; Al Amin, Md.
Over time, global, economic, social and political diagram has transformed significantly. All those components had contributed an extension and alteration in the traditional culture, which, in bi-product had resulted into a mixed cultural environment. Consequently, English, as language has become an inseparable part of any society, which intends to globalize and share culture or ideas with other group, people or country. In Bangladesh, the condition of learning skills or knowledge, be it for academic or hobbies has developed to a greater extent due to expansion of modern initiatives and digitalization. English, as a language is given high significance in case of learning and attaining proficiency both for academic and optional reasons. But the scenario is different in the Alia Madrasahs of Bangladesh. Modern methods, initiatives and expansion of scope in learning and expertizing in English language is ignored, which resulted crisis in the advancement of the students of Alia Madrasah. Moreover, though the Government of Bangladesh has formulated various general rules and regulations to improve this condition. However, due to religious, financial issues or the traditional mainstreams prevailing in the Alia Madrasahs, English language proficiency has been limited to a slower growth. Causes such as lack of understanding about the importance of learning English and its main objective i.e. communication is also responsible for this adverse situation. This study explores the contemporary picture of English language learning and teaching in the Alia Madrasahs of Bangladesh. The complications that have been observed are shortage of the administrative and technical factors which affect progressive English learning. The students’ motivation towards learning English language, failure of attaining proficiency which delays proper English learning, shortcomings of digitalization implemented for the learning process of English language in the Alia Madrasahs of Bangladesh, along with others.
Business students’ perceptions of the importance of ESP courses for Bangladeshi undergraduate students
(BRAC University, 2022) Shariah, Mustan; Al Amin, Md.
English is the lingua franca of the world in almost all cases. It is the language of higher education in almost all the universities of the world. Almost all the universities in Bangladesh, particularly all the private universities, use English as the medium of study. Therefore, in order to succeed in universities having good English skills is one of the prerequisites. To develop undergraduate students’ English skills universities often offer English courses known as English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses. In Bangladeshi context, ESP courses are provided to undergraduate students to develop their English speaking and writing skills. However, the ways in which students are taught in the ESP courses – combined with the syllabus, materials, and classroom setting – should improve to achieve more effective results. This study is a qualitative study in nature, and it explores the perception of business students of some private universities regarding the effectiveness of theses courses. Data for this research was collected through online interviews due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s restrictions. Participants are current students from three universities and some have already passed from the same universities and are working in different sectors. This study has found out that there are lots of lacking regarding the syllabus and teaching method of ESP courses. Moreover, the study finds that students also should grow their interest in learning. Finally, this study has suggested some recommendations that may help the learners and teachers to get the proper use of ESP courses and benefit from them.
Exploring how teachers perceive the need for teacher education for secondary level education in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2022-10) Tasnim, Nishat; Al Amin, Md.
In a world where education plays a major role in the development of nations and individuals, the need for good teachers is always rising. Correspondingly, the need for good quality teacher education programs in every country is increasingly important, as teachers need specific training to master the skills of pedagogy. Bangladesh, for instance, has quite a few options for teachers’ professional development, however, there is little knowledge on teachers’ perspectives on these programs in Bangladesh, or teacher education in general. Whilst there are many studies on teacher education programs in Bangladesh, the current study sets out to explore how teachers choose to advance their career especially to teach secondary level learners. The findings indicate a variety of perspectives that sheds light on some of the realities of teacher’s professional development in Bangladesh in the secondary level education sector.
If we can not do classes, we will face great loss”: the experience of university students from remote areas of Bangladesh during COVID-19
(BRAC University, 2021-05) Tasnim, Sadia; Al Amin, Md.
This research, a qualitative study in nature, has explored how effective online classes there have been for the remote tertiary students of Bangladesh amidst Covid-19 pandemic. Considering the importance of online classes at tertiary level during pandemic and its relation with remote students, it particularly emphasizes on the predicaments, experienced by them and the possibilities, they can think of attending online classes. Adopting the non-probability technique as a sampling method, data has been collected from the remote students of three public and five private universities through interviews and their perceptions are presented as a basis for discussion through thematic analysis. The results illustrate that remote students suffer in attending online classes due to financial crisis, low speed of internet, sufficient power supply, lack of suitable devices, technological knowledge, availability of service centers and adverse family environment. These factors gradually prevent them from understanding content, receiving effective feedback, teachers‟ responses and interacting with teachers. In addition to that, the convenience of time and place, technological advancements and uninterrupted education system due to online classes are documented as the possibilities, students can think of. Finally, opting for a combined education system in near future, this study concludes by suggesting some recommendations for various stakeholders to reshape and redesign online academic activities effectively during any unfavorable or unrest situation in our country.
Linguistic barriers and socioeconomic mobility: the impact of language on the Bihari community in Geneva Camp
(BRAC University, 2025-01) Tabassum, Rezuana; Al Amin, Md.
The Bihari community of Bangladesh is a marginalized Urdu-speaking minority that faces challenges in social integration and economic opportunities. Languages are crucial for this deprived community in Geneva Camp to avail socio economic advantages. This thesis examines language's socio-economic impact on the Bihari community in Geneva Camp. It explores the implications of Urdu, Bangla, and English languages in their education, employment, and social mobility by assessing in what ways language acts as a barrier and, at the same time, how this enables access to economic resources and public services. Additionally, it seeks to find how linguistic identity, integration challenges, and generational language shifts shape their struggles and opportunities because all these are interrelated. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview to find the answers to this qualitative case study. Group discussions were conducted to collect adequate data. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from students, parents, and the CEO of the Council of Minorities. The findings reveal the choices of languages for economic and social survival, discrimination in Bangladeshi society, linguistic identity and integration, and generational language shift and tendency to code-switching. The findings of this research are crucial for policymakers. They provide recommendations to improve language learning policies for minority communities, thereby contributing to their social inclusion and empowerment.
Technology for interactive classrooms: prospects and barriers
(BRAC University, 2018-12) Sarkar, Likhan; Al Amin, Md.
This qualitative study aims at exploring enablers, barriers and prospects of integrating technology in traditional classrooms. The revised curriculum for English at the secondary and higher secondary level although do not specifically provide clear guideline about what should be the nature of using technology in the classroom, it encourages teachers to use in their teaching. In the Education policy technologically advanced learners are considered as a workforce who can work locally and globally and developing this kind of learners is at the forefront of current education system of Bangladesh. However the real classroom picture is different than what the policy and curriculum aims at. To understand the current this study attempts to explore selected school teachers’ classroom practices and their beliefs, opportunities, willingness and barriers of using technology in their classrooms. There are seven participants from different primary and secondary schools. These teachers their classrooms and the students are the primary sources of data. Based on the analysis some recommendations are made at the end.
The impact of motivation and inhibition on students’ academic English development in the higher education in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2021-01) Aurin, Ibthesham; Al Amin, Md.
This study investigated the impact of motivation and inhibition on students’ academic English development in the higher education in Bangladesh. Motivation plays an important role in English language achievement. Along with motivation there are other factors such as peer support, a convenient learning environment and inspiring teachers encourage students to develop their academic Engish skills. On the other hand, there are some affective factors including fear of making mistakes, anxiety, low self-efficacy, shyness and lack of confidance stand against students’ English development and performance in highr education. This study explored various factors that influence or inhibit students’ academic English achievement and performance. A mixed methods approach was adopted and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected for this study. Quantitative data were collected through a survey and analysed using descriptive statistics. On the other hand, qualitative data for this study were collected through interviews and then coded and analysed for a deeper understanding of the phenomena. The study helps us to identify the problems associated with student’s low proficiency in English and how this is affected students’ performance in higher education. It can tell us how the students can be motivated in different ways with an aim to improve students’ academic English. It will also help teachers to understand motivation and to teach in a way that encourage students to develop their academic English.