In 2024, a powerful academic initiative began to take shape at the Govt. Teachers’ Training College, Dhaka — one that promises to reshape English Language Education (ELE) in Bangladesh and establish global academic ties. The Dr. Michael West Study Centre (MWSC) is not just an institution; it is a progressive movement for educational excellence. With a mission rooted in research, inclusion, and international collaboration, the Centre aims to elevate the standards of English teaching and learning across the country.
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| Dr. Michael West |
The Centre was formally inaugurated by the renowned English Language Teaching (ELT)scholar Professor Dr. Richard Smith of the University of Warwick, symbolizing its international aspirations and academic credibility. Its inception owes much to the relentless dedication and foresight of Professor Dr. Ranjit Podder, whose leadership in English education has long inspired educators nationwide.
Honoring a Legacy That Still Shapes the Present
The Centre bears the name of Dr. Michael West (1888–1973) — a visionary linguist and reformer who transformed English education in Bengal during the British colonial era. Dr. West believed that English teaching should be practical, inclusive, and adapted to the needs of non-native learners. He introduced the iconic “Reader Method,” emphasizing vocabulary control and extensive reading as the core of second-language acquisition. His works, such as The New Method Readers and The Teaching of English in India, laid the groundwork for modern ELT methodology in South Asia.
By naming the Centre after Dr. West, the institution reaffirms its commitment to his core principles: accessibility, learner-centered teaching, and culturally responsive education. It continues the legacy he began — transforming English from a foreign subject into a powerful tool for communication and opportunity.
Bridging Classrooms with Communities, Research with Practice
At its core, the Dr. Michael West Study Centre exists to empower English teachers and learners alike. It offers a robust platform for professional development, hosting ongoing teacher training workshops, seminars, and academic conferences. These events equip educators with the tools and insights needed to create more effective, engaging, and learner-responsive classrooms.
The Centre’s work is deeply grounded in research and reflection. It promotes scholarly inquiry into the realities of English language classrooms in Bangladesh, encouraging educators to publish their findings, participate in action research, and collaborate with ELT experts at home and abroad. Its growing academic footprint includes partnerships with international institutions and participation in global ELT networks.
Simultaneously, the Centre addresses the needs of students by offering mentorship, guidance, and supplementary learning opportunities. It recognizes that student success in English depends not only on curricula but on the presence of confident, well-trained teachers — a philosophy that guides every initiative it undertakes.
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| Professor Dr. Richard Smith inaugurates the Dr. Michael West Study Centre, inspiring a new chapter in English language education in Bangladesh. |
A National Centre with Global Connectivity
Although proudly rooted in Bangladesh, the Dr. Michael West Study Centre operates with a global perspective. Through meaningful connections with leading ELT scholars and international universities, the Centre ensures that its training and research align with global best practices while remaining grounded in local context.
Its inaugural ceremony and ongoing academic collaboration with the University of Warwick represent just one facet of its international engagement. The Centre seeks to position Bangladesh not merely as a recipient of ELT trends but as a contributor to global conversations on language pedagogy, multilingualism, and inclusive education.
Strong Leadership for Stronger Futures
The activities and direction of the Centre are overseen by an accomplished Executive Committee made up of experienced academics from the Govt. Teachers’ Training College, Dhaka. Leading this body is Professor Rezia Sultana, the Principal of the College, who serves as President of the MWSC. Her leadership brings administrative insight and a strong institutional foundation.
Supporting her is Professor Hasnat Jahan, Vice Principal of the College, who serves as Vice President, ensuring coherence between academic policy and practice. Professor Dr. Ranjit Podder, a Professor of English Education and the Secretary of the Centre, remains a key intellectual force behind its vision and programming. Mosammat Farhana Haque, an Associate Professor, serves as Treasurer, managing the Centre’s operational and financial integrity. Triptimoy Guha Khasnabish, Assistant Professor, acts as Membership Coordinator, fostering an engaged and expanding community of ELT professionals.
The Centre also benefits from the guidance of a distinguished Advisory Committee made up of internationally acclaimed scholars. Among them are Professor Henry Widdowson, a pioneer in applied linguistics; Dr. Richard Smith, founder of the Warwick ELT Archive; and Bangladeshi academic leaders such as Dr. Arifa Rahman, Professor Dr. Rubina Khan, Professor Dr. Mariam Begum, and Professor A. M. M. Hamidur Rahman. Their combined expertise strengthens the Centre’s global credibility and academic rigor.
A Living Space for Change, Collaboration, and Community
The Dr. Michael West Study Centre is more than a project — it is a living institution, one that evolves with the needs of educators, researchers, and learners. It encourages open dialogue, supports experimentation with new teaching methods, and invites fresh perspectives from all corners of the country.
This inclusive ethos extends into every aspect of its work. Whether by hosting a national conference, publishing a research journal, or conducting hands-on classroom-based training, the Centre is committed to creating real, measurable change in Bangladesh’s English education system.
Join the Journey Toward Educational Excellence
Now is the time to rethink how English is taught, learned, and lived in Bangladesh. The Dr. Michael West Study Centre welcomes passionate teachers, engaged students, academic researchers, and institutional partners to join its growing movement. Together, we can raise the quality of English language education, promote innovation in teaching practices, and ensure that every student in Bangladesh has the tools to thrive in an English-speaking world.
To stay connected with upcoming events, training opportunities, publications, and collaborations, visit the official website:
🔗 www.michaelweststudycentre.org