A qualitative study on the challenges faced by Bangladeshi STEM graduates in speaking in English

Abstract

English is considered as a global language all over the world. In Bangladesh, generally people face challenges speaking in English due to the fact that the Grammar Translation Method (GTM) is heavily used across the country in teaching English. Since GTM does not emphasize skills like speaking and listening, students rarely get the chance to practice those skills. STEM graduates also experience difficulties in speaking in English. So, this study aims at exploring various difficulties Bangla medium background STEM graduates face while learning to speak in English and using English in oral communication, the reasons behind it and the ways students can overcome the challenges. Data for this study came from semi-structured interviews. The results of this study reveal that most of the STEM graduates have moderate to limited English-speaking skill which was not enough for getting high paid jobs or to study abroad. There are various reasons behind this limited speaking skill as the participants face different types of challenges and lack practice in speaking in English. The participants lack confidence and suffer nervousness while speaking in English. Not having an appropriate environment to practice English speaking skill, and negative responses from peers are some other difficulties which they faced in their academic life. However, STEM graduates try to overcome the challenges by using various effective strategies, for instance- watching English contents of the STEM subjects, reading English notes and lectures of STEM subjects to understand the terms and concepts better, engaging in English communication with fellow mates.