Teaching sociology in large classes: Issues and challenges in Bangladeshi colleges

Nusrat Zerin Anny; Pradip Kumar Mishra; Md. Sajedur Rahman Rahman

doi:10.20525/ijrbs.v9i1.588

Authors

Nusrat Zerin Anny Rajshahi College
Pradip Kumar Mishra
Md. Sajedur Rahman Rahman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v9i1.588

Keywords:

Teaching Sociology, Large Class, Bangladesh College Education, Higher Education

Abstract

This study attempts to explore a major issue of higher education in Bangladesh that is, problems related to large size classes. The objectives of the study are to identify the problems faced by the students and the teachers; and to find out the ways of teaching effectively in large Sociology classes. This is a literature review article which has investigated the current teaching practices in the Sociology Classes at the affiliated colleges of the National University of Bangladesh. This paper also discussed the issue from the global perspective. It identified that large classes create a lot of problems for the students and the teachers resulting in the lower quality of higher education. Finally the paper concluded that teachers’ training, appointing supporting stuffs and ensuring necessary logistic support can be the possible solution of this great problem.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alam, G. M., Mishra, P. K., & Shahjamal, M. M. (2014). Quality assurance strategies for affiliated institutions of HE : a case study of the affiliates under National Unievrsity of Bangladesh. Higher Education, (68), 285–301. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-013-9712-y

Atre-Vaidya, N., & Taylor, M. A. (2000). Patient-based teaching: A clinical instructional method for large classrooms. Academic Psychiatry, 24(4), 202–208. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.24.4.202

Biggs, J. (1999). Teaching for Quality Learning at University: What the Student Does. Buckingham: The Society for Research into Higher Education and open University Press.

Black, M., & Rechter, S. (2013). A critical reflection on the use of an embedded academic literacy program for teaching sociology. Journal of Sociology, 49(4), 456–470. https://doi.org/10.1177/1440783313504056

Bryant, B. K. (2005). Electronic Discussion Sections: A Useful Tool in Teaching Large University Classes. Teaching of Psychology, 32(4), 271–275. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1207/s15328023top3204_9

Carbone, E., & Greenberg, J. (1998). Teaching Large Classes: Unpacking the Problem and Responding Creatively. To Improve the Academy, 17, 311–326. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/podimproveacad%0Ahttp://digitalcommons.unl.edu/podimproveacad

Chickering and Gamson. (1987). Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education. AAHE Bulletin, 39, 3–7.

Danker, B. (2015). Using Flipped Classroom Approach to Explore Deep Learning in Large Classrooms. The IAFOR Journal of Education, III(I), 171–186.

Fukuzawa, S., & Boyd, C. (2016). Student Engagement in a Large Classroom: Using Technology to Generate a Hybridized Problem- based Learning Experience in a Large First Year Undergraduate Class. The Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 7(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.5206/cjsotl-rcacea.2016.1.7

Haque, M. A., Muhammad, Faruki, A., & Islam, M. M. (2019). Student-Centered Learning and Current Practice in Bangladeshi College Education. Journal of Education and Practice, 10(13), 95–107. https://doi.org/10.7176/JEP

Hussain, M. A. (2014). Teaching of Sociology in Colleges : Constraints and Challenges. NU Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences & Business Studies, 1(1), 7–18.

Islam, F. Some Issues of Higher Education in Bangladesh: Analysis of Demand, Problems and Trends. , 2 Prime University Journal § (2008).

Kapitulik, B. P. (2013). Teaching Sociology in Community College: Balancing Ideals with Institutional Constraints. American Sociologist, 44(4), 366–377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12108-013-9193-6

Klegeris, A., & Hurren, H. (2011). Impact of problem-based learning in a large classroom setting : student perception and problem-solving skills. Advances in Physiology Education, 35, 408–415. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00046.2011.

Lammers, W. J., & Murphy, J. J. (2002). A Profile of Teaching Techniques Used in the University Classroom: A Descriptive Profile of a US Public University. Active Learning in Higher Education, 3(1), 54–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787402003001005

Mahmud, M. (2019). Quality and Relevance of Higher Education in Bangladesh. BIDS Critical Conversations 2019. Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies.

Mollborn, S., & Hoekstra, A. (2010). “A Meeting of Minds”: Using Clickers for Critical Thinking and Discussion in Large Sociology Classes. Teaching Sociology, 38(1), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.1177/0092055X09353890

Monem, M., & Baniamin, H. M. (2010). Higher Education in Bangladesh: Status, Issues and Prospects. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 30(2), 293–305.

Mulryan-Kyne, C. (2010). Teaching large classes at college and university level: challenges and opportunities. Teaching in Higher Education, 15(2), 175–185. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562511003620001

Nagashima, Y., Rahman, M., Josh, A. Z., Rashed, S., Dhar, S. S., Nomura, S., & ... & Mukherjee, H. (2014). A Study on National University and Affiliated Colleges in Bangladesh (Discussion Paper Series). Retrieved from https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=A+Study+on+National+University+and+Affiliated+Colleges+in+Bangladesh+%28Discussion+Paper+Series%29&btnG=

Nefes, T. S. (2012). Teaching sociology seminars through The Simpsons: Homer under C. Wright Mills’ Eye. Journal of Sociology, 50(2), 115–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/1440783312440755

Rahman, T., Nakata, S., Yoko, N., Mokhlesur, R. M., Uttam, S., & Rahman Asahabur, M. (2019). Bangladesh Tertiary Education Sector Review.

Shahadat, M., Khan, H., Hasan, M., Kum, C., & Prof, C. (2012). Barriers To the Introduction of Ict Into Education in Developing Countries: the Example of Bangladesh. International Journal of Instruction July, 5(2), 61–80. https://doi.org/DOI 10.1007/s11423-009-9132-y

Suoranta, J. (2008). Teaching Sociology: Toward Collaborative Social Relations in Educational Situations. Critical Sociology, 34(5), 709–723. https://doi.org/10.1177/0896920508093364

Zher, N. H., Hussein, R. M. R., & Saat, R. M. (2016). Enhancing Feedback via Peer Learning in Large Classrooms. Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Technology, 4(1), 1–16.