Those costly English medium schools

I had the privilege to teach a number of English medium students as private tutor and also act as a part-time teacher in one of the famous English medium schools (name withheld not to hamper their flourishing business).

But I found the students divided into two major groups. Some are really good in English (which is supposed to be the main objective for enrolling there) and equally efficient in getting hold of other subjects. I must admit I learnt a lot from them and it was a pleasant experience. Unfortunately I found most of the students fall in the second category -- not good either in English or in Bangla. They are hardly mediocre or even in between.

The students are burdened with lots and lots of homework imposed by the school. The guardians are busy comparing the exam scores of their child and boasting about it. It becomes a matter of prestige and you cannot even imagine how fierce it can turn out.

As a part-time teacher, I had the chance to have a glimpse into a few aspects of the condition inside the school. For reasons not known to me, the authority always prefers female teachers. I don't want to speak ill of my former colleagues, however I must say when it comes to teaching, a minimum standard should be maintained. The most disturbing fact is the teachers seem more skilled at make-up than teaching. They are taking care of tiny-tots and teaching them wrong pronunciation and wrong interpretation of words. The entrepreneurs of the English medium schools admit within the circle that it's like a business venture now, and like all businesses, the competition is ruthless. When I left that school, a portion of teachers were breaking away to establish a school of their own.

English medium schools are part of our education system. A watchdog to monitor their activities must be formed to increase their efficiency.