An investigation into the impact of social networking sites on the propagation of the English language 1 An investigation into the impact of social networking sites on the propagation of the English language.
Research Interests:
In the South Asian nation of Bangladesh, English occupies a dominant position in the educational curriculum, from primary to higher secondary levels. Historically, the Grammar-Translation Method (GTM) dominated English instruction, but... more
In the South Asian nation of Bangladesh, English occupies a dominant position in the educational curriculum, from primary to higher secondary levels. Historically, the Grammar-Translation Method (GTM) dominated English instruction, but the 1990s saw a transition to Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) as the National Curriculum and Textbook Board aimed to modernize pedagogical approaches. Despite almost a decade since its introduction and supportive resources for teachers, concerns have arisen regarding the efficacy of CLT, as students at the secondary level continue to struggle with English proficiency. This study seeks to address an observed gap in the literature: the challenges faced by Bangladeshi secondary school teachers in implementing CLT. Several researchers have posited potential causes, including discrepancies between theoretical understandings and practical applications of CLT, teachers' entrenched beliefs, and internal and external constraints like inadequate methodology knowledge and structural issues. Some studies suggest positive attitudes toward CLT, particularly among urban teachers, but evidence also indicates disparities in perceptions and attitudes, particularly between urban and rural settings. This research aims to comprehensively explore the difficulties faced by teachers in transitioning to CLT, thereby shedding light on the broader challenges of English education reform in Bangladesh.