Challenges of Teaching English Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing Skills at Qawmi Madrasas under BEFAQ in Bangladesh

Abstract

One of the recent aims and objectives of Qawmi madrasa education is to make the madrasa students adequately proficient in English to participate in the competitive sectors of Bangladesh for better career options. Though they consider English as an international language of communication and higher education, they pay very little attention to this language teaching and learning. Using a mixed-methods approach, the present study tried to explore how the 4 macro-skills of the English language are taught in Qawmi madrasas under the BEFAQ board and what challenges the teachers and the students encounter in teaching-learning situations. Analyzing the questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations, it was found that only reading and writing skills are focused in the syllabus, textbooks, classroom, and testing; whereas listening and speaking skills are either informally practiced very little or avoided from all arenas. Consequently, language learners cannot achieve communicative competence in English. Finally, the researcher attempts to put forward some recommendations regarding the English syllabus, textbook contents, teaching method, and testing system to the Qawmi madrasa board and authority, madrasa teachers, and Bangladesh government for facing the challenges and making the students proficient in all basic skills of English language.