1) Debashismoy Dutta, Lecturer at BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL), and Prabal Das Gupta, ex-Lecturer at BIL, have recently published a paper titled “Importance of Multi-Stakeholder Needs Analysis to Develop LSP Module: Migrant Workers’ Module in Perspective” in the Special Issue of Crossings, a peer-reviewed journal of English Studies, the Department of English and Humanities, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). This paper reviews and reflects on the needs analysis conducted to develop a trade-specific Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) module for prospective migrant workers, incorporating English-Bangla-Arabic. It is evident from the research findings that the multi-stakeholder needs analysis is important to develop an appropriate LSP module, which will cater for the language needs of the migrant workers.
2) Md. Abu Sufian and Md. Mahbubul Islam, Lecturers at BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL), recently published an article titled “Facebook Could Motivate EFL Learners to Develop Genre Based Writing Skills: A Study on Bangladeshi Undergraduate Learners’ Emersion in Free Writing Space” in the special volume (December 2015) of Crossings (ISSN 2071-1107), a peer-reviewed journal of English Studies, Department of English and Humanities, University of Liberal Arts (ULAB). The paper discusses the feasibility of using Facebook as an online platform to develop genre based writing skills of EFL learners at tertiary level in Bangladesh based on the perceptions of both learners and teachers.
3) Mohammad Aminul Islam, Senior Lecturer at BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) and Mohammad Golam Mohiuddin, Lecturer at BIL, have authored an article titled “Reforming a community to serve the underserved: ESP modules for midwifery course at BRAC University.” The article has been published in Crossings, a journal of English Studies, Department of English and Humanities, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Special Volume, December 2015, ISSN 2071-1107. The paper examines the impact of an ESP course designed by BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) for midwives to develop their English language skills professionally. The paper shows the extent to which an English Language course can help midwives in their profession where they sometimes need to interact in English with foreign doctors, write prescriptions and other official documents in English. The paper shows that most of the participants, having limited English language proficiency, have been able to come out of the barrier of basic English communication skills. It also shows that almost all students can maintain patients’ portfolio, write prescription, report, discharge certificate and so on in English, and they feel relaxed to speak in English whenever it is necessary.
4) Mohammad Aminul Islam and Asek Amin Miraj, faculty members at BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL), have jointly published a paper titled “MOOC Mania: Implications and Collaboration for English Language Teachers” in Crossings, which is a journal of English Studies, Department of English and Humanities, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. This paper highlights the impact of the online course 'Shaping the Way we Teach English' among the practicing teachers. It also discusses adoption strategies and the collaboration among the course participants focusing on how Bangladeshi teachers are adapting to the digital platform for continuous professional development and how they are overcoming the obstacles.