Learning English
In Bangladesh students are required to read English for about twelve years. But the level of proficiency they reach is very low. People taking the civil service examination are also tested on their knowledge of English, but the results are equally disappointing. Even those who pass or qualify are hardly able to write freely in acceptable English. Obviously, there is something seriously wrong with the teaching and learning of English in Bangladesh. Most students in this country feel a lack of motivation. There is hardly any subject they know or care to know really well. They are interested not in acquiring knowledge or skill but in passing the exams by memorizing answers. They have the tendency to use short cut to success. Most schools and college teachers are MA in English. It is possible to get a degree in English without having reasonable proficiency in the language. Untrained teachers cannot teach language effectively.
When problems are identified, it should be possible to get round them. Our failure to learn English arises from certain conditions: Lack of motivation on the part of the students, shortage of competent teachers, unsuitable textbooks and bad and ineffective testing methods. We should overcome these problems for learning English.
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