Classroom Practices in Teaching English at Tertiary Level in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper looks at the difficulties in teaching and learning situation of English at tertiary level in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to find out after having 12 years of compulsory English learning at primary and secondary levels why the students still find it difficult to use the language satisfactorily while pursuing higher studies. The article reviews the literature describing both Grammar Translation Method and Communicative Approach in order to explain the ways of teaching and learning. The respondents consisted of students and teachers from both public and private universities. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and observation of classes. After analyzing the responses of both teachers and students it is found there are problems with implementation of proper methodology due to lack of awareness and training of the teachers, lack of logistics, shortage of time which ultimately results in students’ low motivation. The paper ends in suggesting ways which may be implemented inside the classroom to improve the English learning situation.