Collaborative Learning in Bangladesh College Education: Challenges, Perceptions, and Pathways to Implementation

Md Shafiullah

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18535/sshj.v8i10.1416

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Issue
Vol. 8 No. 10 (2024)
Published
2024-10-19
Keywords:
    Collaborative learning, Education, Teaching method, Bangladesh College Education, Student Learning
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Abstract

This study examines the current landscape of collaborative learning (CL) within Bangladesh's college education system, which encompasses approximately 2,300 institutions affiliated with the National University of Bangladesh. Despite the potential benefits of CL, including enhanced student engagement and improved learning outcomes, its implementation remains limited due to various structural, psychological, and systemic barriers. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research integrates semi-structured interviews with students and surveys of teachers to explore their perceptions of CL and the challenges they face. Findings reveal a significant discrepancy between teachers' reported use of CL and students' experiences, with the latter predominantly experiencing traditional lecture-based instruction. Key barriers identified include overcrowded classrooms, inflexible seating arrangements, a rigid examination system focused on rote memorization, and a lack of teacher training in interactive pedagogical methods. However, both educators and students recognize the value of CL in fostering active learning and social interaction. This study provides recommendations for improving the integration of CL in Bangladesh's colleges, emphasizing the need for targeted teacher training, classroom redesign, and assessment reform to create a more conducive environment for collaborative learning. The insights from this research aim to inform policymakers, educators, and administrators, contributing to the ongoing discourse on enhancing educational quality in Bangladesh.

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Authors

Md Shafiullah
Assistant Professor, Sreenagar Government College, Bangladesh
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6417-4301
Author Biography

Md Shafiullah, Assistant Professor, Sreenagar Government College, Bangladesh

Md Shafiullah is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at a college in Bangladesh. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Meiji University, Japan, and an MA in Education from the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. He completed his undergraduate and master’s studies in Social Work at Dhaka University, Bangladesh. The combination of his academic and professional experiences has deeply motivated him to pursue a research career and contribute meaningfully to the field of social work.

Shafiullah's journey into research began during his BSW and MSW field practicums, where he gained valuable hands-on experience in qualitative research. He learned how research can identify complex social problems and develop evidence-based solutions. This exposure ignited his passion for using research as a tool for social change, particularly in addressing child and family welfare, social development, and health disparities. His work focuses on improving the lives of vulnerable populations, with an emphasis on early childhood development, family stability, and reducing barriers to healthcare access.

[1]
“Collaborative Learning in Bangladesh College Education: Challenges, Perceptions, and Pathways to Implementation”, Soc. sci. humanities j., vol. 8, no. 10, pp. 5625–5636, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.18535/sshj.v8i10.1416.