TESOL Society of Bangladesh launches its research SIG
TESOL Society of Bangladesh (TESOL BD) has successfully organised the inaugural ceremony of its special interest group, TESOL BD Research SIG, on 26 June.
The Research SIG offers a platform for local-global ELT practitioners, teacher-researchers, and research enthusiasts to promote research culture. University Grants Commission member professor Sazzad Hossain announced the inauguration of the SIG as the chief guest of the event.
He congratulated TESOL BD on forming its Research SIG on the same auspicious year of the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He expressed his continued support for ELT classroom research for the sustainable development goals and Vision 2041.
M. Obaid Hamid, senior lecturer, University of Queensland, Australia, was the special guest at the event. He highlighted the significance of Teacher Research to reduce the gap between theory and practice, develop teacher’s capacity and encourage teachers to be producers of knowledge.
He also remarked that Bangladesh is currently “experiencing a Renaissance” in TESOL research, and this Research SIG can make remarkable contributions.
The key attraction of the event was the inaugural workshop titled “An Invitation to Teacher Research” conducted by the world-renowned ELT experts Richard Smith, reader, University of Warwick, UK, and professor Rama Matthew, University of Delhi, India.
They engaged participants by sharing findings from their British Council and Open University projects on teacher research in Latin America, Africa, and South Asia, India and Nepal, and inviting several teachers to share their voices in the event.
They assured further support for teacher research in Bangladesh. IATEFL Research SIG supported this inaugural programme.
Hamidul Haque, vice president, TESOL Society of Bangladesh and assistant professor and head of English, American International University-Bangladesh, delivered the welcome speech.
Tasnima Aktar, convener, TESOL BD Research SIG, and associate professor in English, Comilla University, introduced the SIG and its mission.
Sayeedur Rahman, president, TESOL Society of Bangladesh and professor of English at Institute of Modern Languages, University of Dhaka, concluded the programme with a vote of thanks.
The inaugural ceremony was anchored by Sonia Siddiqui, and the workshop was moderated by Tasnima Aktar and Prodhan Mahbub Ibna Seraj.