Impact of short syllabus on English majoring students: a case study of Dept. of English and Humanities in a private university in Bangladesh

Abstract

In 2020 all the educational institutions shifted online because of the COVID-19 pandemic and students were given an auto pass that year. The next year when it was quite uncertain for the students of SSC and HSC to be able to sit for their board examination, the government of Bangladesh declared that their examination will be held and this will be a short syllabus examination. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of short syllabus on the academic performance of HSC 2021 graduating students. The study utilized a qualitative research design, employing multiple case studies with interview protocols. This research employed in-person interviews. The results suggest that students faced barriers such as limited English proficiency, insufficient language skills, difficulties in interpersonal communication, and challenges in critical thinking and collaborative work. The study emphasizes the negative impact of the abbreviated curriculum on students' overall academic performance, particularly emphasizing their challenges in adapting to the requirements of higher education. This research enriches both theoretical and practical knowledge by offering valuable insights into the difficulties and opportunities that emerge as a result of curriculum modifications prompted by the pandemic. It offers guidance to educational institutions and policymakers who may encounter similar situations in the future.