Private Universities In Bangladesh Research Articles

Assessment of Mental Health Status and Its Association With Willingness to Take Vaccine Against COVID-19 Among the Students of Public and Private Universities in Bangladesh.

Assessment of Mental Health Status and Its Association With Willingness to Take Vaccine Against COVID-19 Among the Students of Public and Private Universities in Bangladesh.

Individual differences in service quality of university libraries in Bangladesh

This study measured the individual differences in the service quality of Bangladeshi university libraries by type of university, user and gender. A modified SERVQUAL (service quality) model was adopted for the academic library environment, which included 30 items under five dimensions with a 7-point Likert scale. The survey was conducted among 61 teachers, 50 researchers and 455 students from two public, two international and two private universities in Bangladesh. The individual differences in library service quality were calculated through an analysis of variance and independent sample t-test for the university, user and gender categories. The overall service quality was significantly different ( p < .001) among the users of the public ( M = 4.02), private ( M = 5.08) and international ( M = 5.10) university libraries, as well as between male ( M = 4.48) and female ( M = 5.01) users. Several statistical methods supported the sampling adequacy, reliability and validity of the adapted model, which could be used as a basis for further assessments of library service quality by different demographic groups, both locally and globally.

Students’ Satisfaction in Online Class during COVID-19: An Empirical Study in Bangladesh Context

The COVID-19 pandemic caused higher education institutions to switch to online learning. This unique endeavor is being investigated to protect high-quality education. Due to its hasty and emergency implementation, students may have different opinions about this new education system. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationships between constructs such as students’ perceived effectiveness, institutional facility, teaching material, and overall satisfaction during the COVID-19 outbreak. Adopting a quantitative research approach, this study was conducted between November 8, 2020, and February 12, 2021, in private universities in Bangladesh. Data were utilized in structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings revealed that perceived effectiveness (0.68, p-value = 0.01), institutional facility (0.23, p-value = 0.01), and teaching material (0.14, p-value = 0.01) are all positively and significantly associated with satisfaction with an online class module. In addition, trajectory analysis establishes a link between satisfaction and effectiveness in e-learning through the SEM. The results of the study also indicate a strong and positive correlation between satisfaction with an online class module and perceived effectiveness, institutional setting, and teaching material. This study will serve as a catalyst for understanding students’ satisfaction in an online environment, as well as a benchmark for various stakeholders, particularly policymakers, practitioners, academicians, and institution owners, to take the necessary steps to ensure a sustainable online learning platform.

Supporting teachers through online professional development: a small-scale qualitative study with teachers in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The sudden transition to online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic compelled teachers worldwide to develop the skills necessary to contend with online education and execute effective teaching. Whereas several studies have investigated the professional development opportunities provided by educational institutions during this time, research on the effectiveness of engaging in such activities for higher education teachers in Bangladesh seems limited. This study explores Bangladeshi English teachers’ experiences of engaging in online professional development (OPD) and the impact it had on their teaching and professional learning during COVID-19. Data were collected using a qualitative survey distributed to twenty-five English teachers working at various public and private universities in Bangladesh. A thematic analysis demonstrated that teachers participated in both self-directed and institution-led professional development activities. While engaging in such activities was beneficial, teachers’ application of the knowledge in teaching and professional learning was hindered by an overload of online information, insufficient logistics facilities, and inadequate collegial support. The study recommended that designing cost-effective OPD and ensuring a collegial environment might inspire teachers to explore OPD opportunities. In addition, providing institutions with proper orientation and awareness would ensure better institutional support in executing OPD even in the post-covid-era.

Comprehensive approaches, materials, and evaluations of TEFL along with the manifestation of multilingual competencies’ challenges from the perspective of public and private universities of Bangladesh

: Language is the one of the important mediums of expressing thoughts. It has the power to create tremendous revolution, devastating confliction as well as fruitful solution. Due to the blessings of language; social, cultural and regional gap has also been reduced. Years after years, we are habituated with the habit of viewing English Language teaching from one or two modes in our country. The fact cannot be denied that so many teachers from the public and private universities are not aware of the modified policies and materials for that reason learners are still caged at the turbulent level. It can also be highlighted that at this time multilingual environment is keeping a positive impact both socially and economically in drawing profit at many countries. Time has come to consider the issues.

Nature, Causes, and Consequences of Ragging at the Universities in Bangladesh: An Empirical Study

Ragging is a menace, a source of dread and shock for the students and their parents who send their descendants to universities. In several public and private universities in Bangladesh, ragging is prevalent. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature, causes, and effects of ragging in Universities in Bangladesh. This study also incorporated students’ viewpoints who have not participated in ragging. This was an institution-based study. The study was conducted using a quantitative research approach. The survey method is used to acquire data. The study uses both qualitative and quantitative data. Respondents to the survey were 75 students from 15 departments at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University. IBM SPSS 25 was used to perform statistical analysis. 48% of students have participated in ragging, while 52% have not. 57% of respondents were subjected to only verbal teasing, 37% were subjected to both physical and verbal teasing, and 6% were subjected to only physical teasing. Approximately 55% of students stated that raising awareness can eliminate ragging from universities.

Impacts of Learner Autonomy on Presentation Skills: Exploring Students’ Perceptions and Experiences

The study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of a group of undergraduate students of a private university in Bangladesh regarding the impacts of learner autonomy on their presentation skills and whether it promotes self-regulatory learning in the classroom or not. Using the self-determination theory (SDT), the study analyzed the interview data of twenty students of a poetry course. The findings show a descriptive qualitative research of 20 participants which led to the conclusion that learner autonomy has a great impact on presentation skills. Moreover, the students can overcome the challenges of oral presentation by practicing autonomy in the classroom. Nevertheless, despite having positive aspects the study also focused on the overall limitations of the research area suggesting that to promote learner autonomy, assistance from the educators and institutions is required in a few key areas.

Problems the first year students encounter in EFL learning at private universities of Bangladesh: Four private universities in consideration

The English language becomes a key factor in the academic life of first-year FFL learners at the graduation level in Bangladesh as this is the first time when they have to be exposed to English Medium Instruction (EMI). When the first-year FFL learners at private universities try to speak and write in English it becomes a challenge for them. The research intends to find out the first-year FFL learners problems they face at Private Universities in Bangladesh and some suggestions to overcome them. 40 FFL learners from 4 different private universities participated and the mixed method comprising qualitative and quantitative methods is applied in this study. The data has been collected through the research instruments like survey questionnaires and interviews. The study recommends that vocabulary skills, pronunciation, teaching techniques of teachers, syllabus design, motivation, and a proper environment are important factors that should be developed to enhance their communicative competence. And for overcoming these problems they need motivation, to know more words and their use in sentences, and knowledge regarding sentence structures. And also they need an English reading environment inside and outside of their classroom.           

Comparative analysis of dietary diversity and food consumption patterns among public and private University Students in Bangladesh

Introduction: University students represent a crucial period for establishing long-term dietary patterns and are particularly susceptible to nutritional challenges due to lifestyle changes. This study focuses on the dietary habits of university students in Bangladesh, a demographic undergoing significant changes in eating patterns amid urbanization and exposure to Westernized food cultures. Aim: This study aims to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics and dietary patterns of university students in Bangladesh, distinguishing between public and private university attendees. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted over four months at two public and two private universities in Bangladesh. The sample consisted of 296 students, selected through systematic random sampling. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Dietary diversity was assessed based on the last 24 hours’ intake, and household food consumption scores were calculated over the past 7 days. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 17) and Stata (Version 13). Results: The study consists of approximately equal representation of students from public (48.63%) and private (51.37%) universities, with a slight male majority (53.87%). Significant economic disparities were found between students from public and private universities, impacting their monthly expenditures and dietary habits. Students from private universities displayed a more diverse diet, especially in higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, and protein sources. A notable correlation was found between economic status and dietary diversity, with private university students having higher food consumption scores. Conclusion: The study highlights substantial socio-economic disparities between students from public and private universities in Bangladesh, significantly influencing their dietary habits. Findings emphasize the need for targeted nutritional interventions and educational programs to mitigate the gaps in dietary diversity and health among university students. The study provides valuable insights for public health policymakers and educators in understanding and addressing the nutritional needs and challenges of university students in Bangladesh.

Determinants of academic major choice: a comparative study of business programs in Bangladesh

This paper aims to examine the determinants influencing students' choices of academic majors, with a specific focus on business programs at private universities in Bangladesh. It evaluates the relative impact of various factors including subject interest, perceived prestige of the major, faculty reputation, earning potential, and availability of the major. Additionally, this study seeks to analyze how these determinants align with broader socio-economic and institutional contexts. Employing a hybrid analytics method, the study utilizes both quantitative analysis and factor analysis techniques. A dataset of 276 students from three private universities in Bangladesh was surveyed using a structured questionnaire based on a Likert scale. This data was collected over a period that reflects the current trends and perceptions among students regarding their choice of academic majors. The main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) intrinsic interest in the subject significantly influences major choice, (ii) perceptions of economic outcomes associated with the profession, such as earning potential, play a crucial role, and finally, (iii) institutional factors like faculty reputation and the prestige of the major also significantly impact students' decisions. These findings underscore the complexity of factors that students consider when choosing their academic majors, highlighting the interplay between personal interests, economic considerations, and institutional attributes.

Impact of Watching English Movies, Series, and Cartoons on English Language Learning of a Private University in Bangladesh

The article examines the influence of English movies, series and cartoons on students majoring in English at a university in Bangladesh. The objective of this study was to ascertain the potential impact of films, series, and cartoons on the acquisition of the English language and to determine the extent of their influence. This quantitative research centered on the English department located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A set of questionnaires was employed to administer a series of inquiries to140 students. The research uses both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data sources include surveys and interviews, while secondary data sources encompass journals, publications, previous research, and websites. This study has shown the significant impact exerted by English films, series, and cartoons on the EFL learners. The development of English language proficiency—reading, speaking, listening, writing—was noticeably improved. It is found that watching English series, cartoons and movies is a quick and effective way for EFL students to pick up the language. The approach functions as an audio lingual method, incorporating visual aids and facilitating situational language instruction. Moreover, the subtitles have been found to enhance both reading and writing abilities, as well as promote social interactions and foster a deeper understanding of the culture of native speakers. This research will also provide valuable insights for future scholars and researchers.

Implementing a Hybrid Educational Model in Private Universities in Bangladesh: a Comprehensive Investigation of Evolving Teaching Methods to Enhance Education While Optimizing Financial Resources

This research delves into a hybrid pedagogical framework and its relevance in tertiary education, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh. The study examines the surge of online education during the COVID-19 pandemic, which extended from primary to tertiary levels, and the subsequent adoption of a new educational approach known as Hybrid Education post-pandemic. Hybrid learning blends conventional teaching tools like computer labs and interactive whiteboards with modern educational software. Many educational institutions embrace this approach, and the research compares the progress of hybrid education in developed nations with the situation in Bangladesh. It proposes innovative strategies for private universities in Bangladesh to implement a cost-effective method to enhance the education sector. This study aims to identify the most effective hybrid learning model for achieving course outcomes and successful implementation. Additionally, it concentrates on practical implications derived from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonbury, Thailand, which could potentially enhance the quality of education, teaching, and research activities in Bangladesh. This research equips educators to create effective learning environments and promote knowledge acquisition through a thoughtfully designed hybrid education model.

Determinants of Employability of Fresh Business Graduates: A Statistical Analysis on Perspective of Private Universities in Bangladesh

The employability of business graduates refers to their capability to gain and maintain employment. It encompasses a range of attributes, skills, qualifications, and personal qualities that make individuals desirable to potential employers. In this study, an attempt has been made to find the determinants of employability of fresh business graduates in Bangladesh. Data has been collected through a snowball sampling technique over the year 2022 using a self-administrated questionnaire from a sample of 385 business graduates of the same batch who completed their graduation at a same time point from different private universities in Bangladesh and among those 270 were employed in different job sectors and 115 were not. Study has been conducted on different important factors. Multivariate regression using logistic regression has been performed to identify the determinants. Finally results show that CGPA, Standard of CV, part-time job experience, computer literacy, English proficiency, involvement with club activities, networking with alums, job hunting significantly affect employability of business graduates in Bangladesh.

The effect of pay equity on organizational commitment in higher education institutions in Bangladesh

Pay inequity seems to be a major concern at private universities in developing countries. Therefore, this study, drawing on equity and relative deprivation theories, aims to investigate the role of pay equity in shaping the organizational commitment of university faculty members in Bangladesh. It used the convenience sampling method with a structured questionnaire. Participants in the study were 254 full-time faculty members, including lecturers, assistant professors, associate professors, and professors from private universities in Bangladesh. A t-test comparing different categories of faculty members showed no noteworthy distinctions between their responses regarding pay equity and organizational commitment. Then, the study employed variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data and validate the research model. According to the findings, internal pay equity positively and significantly affects affective (β = 0.327, p < 0.05) and normative commitment (β = 0.579, p < 0.05). Moreover, external pay equity is significantly associated with affective (β = 0.488, p < 0.05) and continuance commitment (β = 0.492, p < 0.05). However, the impact of internal pay equity on continuance commitment (β = 0.150, p = 0.165) was insignificant. Similarly, the relationship between external pay equity and normative commitment (β = 0.170, p = 0.263) was also insignificant. The findings indicate that higher education institutions can stimulate the organizational commitment of academics by promoting pay equity.

Exploring Distance Learning Experience among University Students

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted educational systems worldwide, leading to the closure of schools and universities. As a result, schools and universities have been forced to modify the way teaching and learning occurs. Specifically, universities had to adopt alternate learning platforms to provide instructions to learners remotely. This study explores the effects of COVID-19 on learning experience among university students in Bangladesh. Exploring students’ perceptions and behavioral responses to learning identifies pedagogical obstacles and novel approaches to address the challenges. Following IRB approval, study data was drawn from 60 students by conducting ten focus groups at six public and private universities in Bangladesh. The findings of our study include five major themes: (1) “they were behind for almost two years;” (2) “the internet issue was a big problem;” (3) “financially, it impacted a lot;” (4) “I felt anxious, depressed, and hopeless;” and (5) “problems like headaches and back pain.” Findings of the study address the need to prioritize need-based support and increase capacities and related skills to provide education remotely in Bangladesh. Findings can also guide educators and university administrators in responding effectively to support students.

Media and Information Literacy Self-Efficacy of LIS Students in Bangladesh

Media and information literacy (MIL) is one of the crucial factors to sustain in the age of information explosion. Particularly, LIS students need to be literate regarding media and information around them to provide authentic information in their future workplaces. The study aims to identify the MIL self-efficacy level of LIS students and the influence of demographics on this. The study adopted a quantitative approach to identify the MIL level of LIS students using a structured questionnaire. The data was collected from 337 LIS students from different public and private universities in Bangladesh using a convenience sampling technique. The study reveals that LIS students in Bangladesh rated their level of MIL as moderate, but at the same time, they are confident regarding their competence in accessing relevant resources using different media. It is also observed that LIS students’ MIL level is comparatively less in creation than other dimensions like access, evaluation, use, and understanding. The research also found significant differences between the students’ demographics and their MIL level. This is one of the first attempts in Bangladesh to analyze LIS students’ MIL self-efficacy level. The study can be broadened in the future to understand the factors affecting the MIL level of LIS students in Banglaesh by adopting a qualitative research strategy. In addition, the problems can also be identified from future studies which will provide a guideline to the respective LIS departments on how to improve the MIL level of the students.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and their Impact on Academic Library Services: A Study of Some Selected Private University Libraries in Bangladesh

Purpose: The objective of this study is to find out the impact of massive open online courses (MOOCs) on academic library services by identifying the opportunities of adopting MOOCs as a library service. It also proposes a model how to employ MOOCs as a library service. Methodology: This study follows a questionnaire method to collect data from the private university librarians in Bangladesh. Out of the 108 private universities in Bangladesh, 75 universities were selected as respondents for the questionnaire survey. In total, 38 university librarians have responded to the survey. The response rate was 50.66%. Descriptive analysis was carried out to analyse the collected data. Findings: The findings of this study have revealed the current status of MOOCs as a library service. The majority of the librarians are aware of MOOCs, but they do not have connection with any specific MOOC platforms. The study also identified many opportunities for MOOCs in academic libraries, such as clearing copyright content and licensing, preservation of MOOC contents for users, and assisting with fair use of reading materials. Additionally, MOOCs offer opportunities for developing information literacy skills, fostering collaboration among academic institutions in building courses, providing motivational or library-related courses to users and library professionals, etc. Originality/Value: This is the first attempt to explore the status of MOOCs as a library service in the context of private university libraries in Bangladesh.

Assessing Knowledge, Skills and Capacities in Environmental Management: A Study on Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, there is a gap in environmental understanding, one of the most critical issues that make the development process extremely challenging. Therefore, Bangladesh needs adequate knowledge, capacity, and skills in environmental management. This objective warranted an assessment of available capacity and needs for specific knowledge and skills in environmental management. Data and information were collected from primary and secondary sources. The primary level information was collected through in-depth interviews and observation. For secondary information, both published and unpublished literature were studied. In Bangladesh, to address ever-increasing environmental problems, government interventions and policy initiatives, academic programmes, research initiatives, and environmental activism became quite visible in the mid-nineties of the last century. In the academic arena, two types of initiatives became prominent. First, the environmental dimension was added to some of the existing academic disciplines of different public universities to develop knowledge and skills. On the other hand, some public and private universities in Bangladesh introduced new academic programs specifically focusing on the environment. However, in public universities where environmental education has been introduced as an addition or extension to parent disciplines, only a limited number of courses on environmental management have been introduced. This has left aside other pertinent areas of environmental management from the purview of the educational programme. The disciplines that included environmental management in their domains still emphasize on their parent subject areas. Therefore, it is recommended to introduce a comprehensive education programme consisting of environmentrelated courses with suitable bearings on environmental management. NU Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences & Business Studies Vol. 7 & 8, No.2 & 1, July 2021 - December 2022 p. 23-38

ELECTRONIC OR PRINTED BOOKS FOR READING: THE PREFERENCES OF TERTIARY-LEVEL STUDENTS IN BANGLADESH

This study deals with the preferences of electronic or printed books for reading by tertiary-level students in Bangladesh. The development of ICT has significantly influenced students’ reading habits with electronic books. Given this context, this study aims at explaining the preferences of tertiary-level students’ reading habits for electronic or traditional books in the context of Bangladesh. This study is important for understanding the contributions of electronic books in the educational field of Bangladesh. The researcher followed mixed methods for this study. The researcher took semi-structured interviews with the participants all from the public and private universities of Bangladesh and also did a questionnaire survey. Moreover, both electronic and printed books have merits as well as demerits. However, findings inform us that young students tend to use e-books more than printed books. Students suffering from health problems use printed books more. On the contrary, more students use e-books as they can be read anytime, anywhere. Based on the findings, the researcher argues that e-books have not completely taken over the place of printed books yet. However, the use of technology has been increasing in the academic as well as professional fields of Bangladesh. Finally, some recommendations have been proposed in light of the research findings.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0090/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Possibility of Using Jam board for Interactive Remote EFL Teaching and Learning: A Survey of Students’ Perception

COVID-19 has forced the world to encounter a new experience which has also brought an unforeseen revolution in the world education system. Traditional norms and practices of classroom teaching are being challenged continually. Chalkboards and whiteboards are now being replaced by multiple technological tools, teachers are delivering class lectures via various video teleconferencing software programs, and study materials are being published as pre-recorded video clips or uploaded on different sites. In such an era, Google Jam board can be utilized as a significant tool for transforming digital education into infotainment for the tertiary-level EFL learners of Bangladesh. The present study sought to investigate the possibility of using Google Jam board to create an interactive virtual classroom environment for tertiary-level EFL students. All the data for this study were collected using an electronic questionnaire survey from various departments of a private university in Bangladesh. The study found that EFL learners hold a positive attitude toward the use of Jam board for remote learning which can play a significant role in helping EFL learners to improve their English language skills. The study also recommends some of the best features of Jam board for EFL teachers. Keywords: COVID-19, ELT, technology in education, digital board, tertiary education