The System of Teaching English at Agricultural Universities in Bangladesh

Abstract

Language means the way of communication by which better understanding, communication can be possible and the learners should be efficient in at least two languages. As a matter of fact the learners at undergraduate level should learn and be efficient in reading, speaking, listening and writing in at least one foreign language. Since English is the most important language for intercultural communication, it is taught from elementary level to university level in Bangladesh. This comprehensive study shows the system of teaching English at Agricultural Universities of Bangladesh. Result indicates that there are generally five Agricultural Universities in Bangladesh and there are several faculties which offer undergraduate and Post-Graduate degree .English Language is taught as compulsory subject at all faculties at undergraduate level. There are some faculties which offer English as Optional Subject which is very rare. Communicative English / Lab English has been preferred to teach in this regard. At the time of teaching especially in the classroom, 85% teachers use power point and overhead projector and rest use White Board and Marker. English Language Practical course is offered to four faculties of Sylhet Agricultural University, four faculties at Shere Bangla Agricultural University, all faculties of CVASU and Khulna Agricultural University. All teachers use English and mother tongue in the EFL classroom to make the meaning clear to the learners. At CVASU a modern equipped Language Lab was found but the authorities of another Agricultural Universities are trying to establish English language Lab.At Bangladesh Agricultural University, there is also a good well equipped English Language Lab. The learners are also interested to learn both languages ( mother tongue and foreign language) in the classroom.