English learning system in rural schools

By Binu Mohakhali, Dhaka
16 January 2005, 18:00 PM
We all know that school level education is very crucial for all, because it builds a strong foundation and leads a student forward. Overall English skills of our students from rural areas are far poorer than students from urban areas and an unexpected number of students fail in public exams (SSC, HSC and others).

Recently, I got a chance to see the book of English for class X IX which inspired me to write something. At first, I would like to point out my concern about the curriculum which is developed by foreign experts using their perspectives. I appreciate it as it aims to develop the skill of listening, writing, reading and speaking of a learner as a whole, instead of memorising. It is based on fully English language systems like IELTS. Most of the chapters deal with dialogue, pair system and participatory method. But did they think about our available resources before introducing it, especially in rural schools?

The new curriculum needs an audio-visual system and interesting methods and demonstration to serve its purpose. On the other hand, teachers are not yet oriented on the new curriculum.

The budget allocated for education for the year 2004-2005 shows the highest amount like the past several years. But thoughtless introduction of any system will not serve our purpose.