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TEFL Jalandhar

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This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned:

J.Y. - Bangladesh said:
english, to many Bangladeshi people, is the ticket to a better life. The ability to speak english opens doors to higher quality education, more lucrative jobs, and even the opportunity to move abroad. However, as with any endeavor, there are factors that make it difficult for Bengalis to advance in their knowledge of english. While there are specific grammar and pronunciation issues due to the differences between Bangla and english, there are deeper reasons for difficulties in learning. Many cultural issues play into the learning process: social, economic, and religious. This article seeks to consider a few of those issues, based on my personal experiences and observations as a foreigner living and teaching in Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi educational system is one that foreigners and nationals alike recognize as a contributor to the problem. teachers are poorly compensated, so the brightest and best generally pursue other careers. Confidence in teachers is somewhat low, and students tend to rely heavily on outside coaching. Along with that, the traditional way of learning is primarily by rote memorization. teachers know what is on the test and teach primarily for the test. High marks reflect well on teachers and students alike, so the emphasis is on being able to recite the material, rather than understand it. Bangladeshi students in my english classes typically do very well with irregular verb lists, determining verb tenses (better than many American students), and other tasks that allow them to access specific information that they've learned. They struggle much more when required to practically utilize the knowledge they have. Critical and creative thinking is difficult... role plays make them uncomfortable and they tend to produce short, redundant phrases. Another weakness in a typical Bangladeshi student's educational background is an absence of tools to allow them to progress outside the classroom. For example, students in english medium schools are generally taught by teachers who grew up in a similar environment. Students learn from them, picking up their mistakes in pronunciation (and some made-up grammar rules). Very few students are taught any phonetic alphabet, so dictionary usage is usually limited to word definitions. Students have no consistent way to check pronunciation on words, and so must assign similar sounds to similar spellings (dangerous in english!). Other elements of the culture play into students' learning opportunities. The culture in Bangladesh is much more relationship-oriented than time-oriented. While this can have a positive effect (students enjoy talking, and are generally not afraid to practice with each other), it also affects classroom dynamics. Students place less importance on attendance or punctuality... my classes rarely start on time. Family or social events frequently take precedence over classes. A lack of consistency and continuity is a big issue for the Bangladeshi learner. Gender issues certainly play a part as well. In a male-dominated society, women are often relegated to the home. While this is changing some in the cities, and especially in the universities, men and women still don't mix freely. Classes tend to be made up of men, and a single girl will tend to feel intimidated. Classes for women only, and by female teachers, are often the best way to address the issue. All in all, Bangladeshi learners do tend to face some unique difficulties in learning. While there is a growing number of expats in Bangladesh, many students don't have opportunities to interact with native english speakers on a regular basis. However, it is amazing what desire and motivation can do. Many Bengalis learn to speak english well, despite the odds. The promise of a brighter future helps them dig in. Bangladesh is a wonderful place to teach, with plenty of hungry learners. I'm excited to be a part of the process.


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