Understanding the Secularization Process through English Language Teaching at Qawmi Madrasa in Bangladesh

Qawmi Madrasas are one of the two types of religious schools in Bangladesh, educating students from primary level to Master’s level. These Madrasa schools have diversified their curriculum to compete with other public and private education providers. In previous research works, the sociological perspective was of prime importance in understanding the Qawmi Madrasa. Pedagogically, no research works have dealt with the secularization process of the Qawmi Madrasa. Notably, ‘introducing and practicing’ the English language in the syllabus and class up to grade 8 level has not been the focus of any previous study. In the current study, we investigate what improvements need to be made to English teaching programs in Qawmi Madrasa schools to enable students to successfully secure admission to public universities and apply for positions in the civil service in Bangladesh. We conducted semi-structured interviews in 2017 with 64 interviewees, comprising students, teachers, and principals across four Qawmi Madrasa schools in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. The key limitations and improvements presented by these interviewees include teacher training for English language learning, new technology for learners, development of classroom resources, the establishment of a Qawmi Madrasa teaching college, implementation of authentic teaching materials within the classroom, and extension of English language education up to graduate level at Qawmi Madrasa schools.