EFL Teaching and Learning in the Rural Areas of Bangladesh: Addressing Obstacles to Teaching L2
Abstract
English as a language is an essential tool in the negotiation of power and relationship at the
interpersonal, social and the global level as well. The importance of learning English has
increased significantly as a useful communication tool in the age of globalization. In the
existing scenario, English language learning and teaching in the rural areas of Bangladesh has
become a prime concern. This study aims to present the current English language education
policy, language learning and teaching obstacles pertaining to the poorly equipped classroom,
lack of trained language teachers, and inadequate use of technology and non-availability of
learning materials in Bangladesh. To analyze and to find the solution to the language teaching
and learning obstacles, the researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative methods.
The research was carried out in ten rural colleges far from the capital city Dhaka. The
population of this study was higher secondary level students in the academic year 2019-2020.
The number of populations was 25 students from intermediate class and 10 teachers from
same school and colleges, and data were collected through a questionnaire. The findings
show that though CLT based English language curriculum has been operating at the higher
secondary level in Bangladesh, most of the teachers are not familiar with CLT guidelines and
CLT related activities. Besides this, there are some crucial factors which demand great
attention to change the current scenario. As a result, there are inconsistencies between the
stated objectives of Teaching English and the actual teaching techniques.