Impact of Classroom Environment on English Education: A Study at the Primary Level in Bangladesh

Abstract

Classroom environment is one of the most impactful issue in the education system of every level, especially for English education at the primary level in Bangladesh as English being a foreign language needs more attention in the field of teaching and learning. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of classroom environment on English education at the primary level in Bangladesh. The study was qualitative in nature. It was consisted of review of extensive literature in the respective field, interviews with six primary English teachers from six schools and the observation of six classroom from those schools. It was found from the cross-checking of teachers’ interview and classroom observation that most of the schools did not have suitable classroom environment that negatively impacted English education. In most of the cases, class size was large that created noise and broke the learners’ concentration often. Again, poor lighting facilities, improper ventilation system and hot temperature were very common scenario in most of the schools. Most importantly, seating furniture were uncomfortable to the learners and the teaching materials were very traditional as well. Some positive scenario were also found in only two schools that classrooms were decorated with comfortable furniture, enough lighting, fan and some modern teaching materials but there were noise as well because of the adjacent crowded area as those schools were located in urban area. It was highly recommended that government authorities for primary education, school committee and the teachers should be more cordial to ensure a healthy, safe and learner friendly classroom environment with all kind of modern facilities.