Education
10 Best Free Android Apps to Learn English Vocabulary
Are you a novice who wants to speak English fluently or improve your communication abilities? Installing English-learning apps on Android phones is a fantastic approach to learning English rapidly. Some schools and institutions throughout the globe urge students to use these applications rather than social media and gaming apps. The English-learning applications may educate kids and adults greatly about what they have learned in schools and training centers. Having said that, continue reading to discover the most effective English-learning apps for android phones.
Best Apps to Learn English Vocabulary
Ultimate GRE® Vocabulary Prep
This program is one of the most popular English vocabulary applications available on Google Play, and for a good reason. Not only is it useful for learning English vocabulary, but its design and game-like features also make it rather addicting. You gain points for accurately defining each word.
With these points, you may unlock more words as your fluency improves. The factor of difficulty is a lot of fun! Galvanize Test Prep developed and released the app on PlayStore on 5th May 2017. It requires 10 MB of storage on the phone. The current rating of the app is 4.8 stars.
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Busuu
Busuu is an excellent application for joining one of the biggest online learning groups. According to its website, its global network comprises millions of language enthusiasts. The features emphasise community-based learning and include a video chat platform. The app's claim that it covers all aspects of language acquisition suggests that it may be used as an all-encompassing learning tool.
In their classes, you will study English vocabulary and get the opportunity to practice writing, pronouncing, and reading each word. The developer company’s name is also Busuu. They released the game on PlayStore on 29th July 2011. It is topping the PlayStore Vocabulary learning app with a 4.5 rating.
VocApp English Flashcards
Flashcards continue to be popular because they are effective for teaching vocabulary terms! This flashcard tool from VocApp is ideal for all levels of English learners. Within the app, you may set your favourite level of difficulty.
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This vocabulary flashcard software is distinctive in that it employs more complicated aspects to teach you every facet of a word, from its sound to its use in sentences to its explanation. For a more personalised experience, you may design your flashcards inside the program. VocApp Flashcards created the app on 19th August 2018. The game has a 4.5-star rating on PlayStore.
Word of the Day
Incorporating new words into your everyday life is the greatest learning method. Daily exposure to one or two new words will be beneficial in the long term. If you are already occupied with employment and other responsibilities and can only commit a little time to study, there is a simple software that may assist.
With Word of the Day, you will learn a new word daily, remember your favourite terms, and browse to see what other users prefer. They also provide a variety of pronunciation choices, allowing you to place accents and stresses correctly! Vocabulary Apps created the app and published it on 6th April 2018. It takes 6MB of storage and is currently available on PlayStore with a 4.4-star rating.
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Memrise
Memrise is a flashcard application. However, this should not lead you to believe that it is straightforward. SRS, or Spaced Repetition System, is a proven technique that helps you recall words and phrases more quickly. The software offers video samples of real-world language use, so you can learn by listening to actual native speakers use their language naturally.
The gamified learning style will help keep you amused and motivated to finish your education. The developer company’s name is also Memrise, and this app first came out on 20th May 2013. The app has a 4.4-star rating in PlayStore.
FluentU
FluentU combines actual content such as music, news, and politics to help you expand your English vocabulary and cultural understanding simultaneously. The films are designed for native speakers to expose you to original and pertinent material.
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You may begin by viewing any movie in the vast collection that piques your interest; they are categorised by subject and difficulty level (beginner to advanced). You may click on the interactive subtitles for a quick description, pronunciation, and sample sentences for every word. FluentU has developed the app and released it on PlayStore on 2nd October 2018. The app has a 4.3-star PlayStore rating.
Voxy
Voxy focuses on offering English instruction to company and organisation personnel. Voxy adjusts to your requirements and provides customised instruction. Whether you require English vocabulary to pass a test or wow a customer, Voxy guarantees you acquire the appropriate terms.
It evaluates your educational requirements and presents audio and video information. With the app, you can take your lessons anywhere and enjoy entertaining practice alternatives, such as karaoke-style music lessons.
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Schedule a live, one-on-one tutoring session and get feedback. If you're studying alongside others, such as a team of workers, Voxy is built to facilitate that. Voxy, Inc. has done a tremendous job by creating super user-friendly. The app first came out on 23rd November 2011.
English Vocabulary Builder
This vocabulary-building application is essential for English learners of all levels. The UI is straightforward and very user-friendly. Choose a word topic and take the test to assess your knowledge of that specific word set. After that, you may evaluate the terms you mistakenly defined and save them to a specific study list.
It's a really basic application, but sometimes simple is best! This vocabulary builder is helpful for students of all levels, but novices will profit the most from the terms offered. Praveen Yuva developed the app. It requires 3MP storage and is available on Playstore. The current rating is 4.4-star rating.
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Alphabear
Alphabear is a really entertaining game for people who like puzzle games to learn vocabulary. You must spell new words, and bears will emerge when you pick letters near one another. These bears may raise your score, lengthen your timer, or assist you in another manner.
The game's design is adorable and entertaining to guarantee that you like playing. There is also an integrated dictionary for English language learners. This game will help you pick up where you left off in your memorisation of new words if you've grown tired of it. Spry Fox LLC created the app and published it on 4th September 2018. It takes 119MB of storage and is currently available on PlayStore with a 4.9-star rating.
Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are a fun way to spend time travelling or waiting for something. If you like crossword puzzles and are eager to increase your worldly knowledge, then Words of Wonders is the game that will push your English vocabulary to the maximum.
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You will be given a few letters as hints. You will utilise them to generate new words and link them to determine the final crossword answer. With each correct response, you will virtually explore new towns and attractions.
Conclusion
If you are serious about enhancing your English vocabulary, the above-mentioned English vocabulary apps for android can help you. Relevant English phrases and terms should be memorised and occasionally reviewed.
Find chances to utilise these newly-learned terms often, and even if you make errors, learn from them and persevere. As long as you stay enthusiastic and dedicated to your studies, you will surely be successful in cultivating a beautiful English word garden.
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Education Alliance Bangladesh: New name for 'Safe Back to School'
The "Safe Back to School" campaign alliance, which was formed following the Covid situation to bring back students to school, has started a new journey to ensure inclusive quality education for all in the country, under a new name: "Education Alliance Bangladesh – EAB."
The declaration of this new name came at the Education Summit 2023 Wednesday in Dhaka.
"Let's Work Together to Ensure Inclusive Quality Education in Bangladesh," is the new slogan of the alliance.
During the opening ceremony, Onno van Manen, Save the Children Country Director said: "This alliance aims to continue working together so that we can reach a larger number of children who require our assistance. We need to elevate the voices of the children through this platform."
The alliance will support the government to mitigate challenges related to quality and inclusive education. It will work with the government to strengthen the education system by taking initiatives to popularise technical/vocational education and fostering partnerships among education actors for accelerating a joyful learning environment.
The closure of educational institutions from March 17, 2020, to February 14, 2021, required the launch of mass awareness campaigns as it triggered children dropout rates from schools in both urban and rural areas, causing an increase in child labour and child marriage.
Against this backdrop, national and international NGOs working for the education sector in Bangladesh united themselves under the Safe Back to School.
Safe Back to School's awareness campaign, research study, and advocacy-related discussions with government officials and stakeholders underlined the need for long-term activities to ensure the scope for education for all children in Bangladesh.
The alliance members are Brac, British Council Bangladesh, CAMPE, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Educo Bangladesh, FIVDB, Friendship, Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh, Humanity and Inclusion, Jagorani Chakra Foundation, Leonard Cheshire, Plan International Bangladesh, Room to Read, Save the Children, Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, Sight Savers Bangladesh, Stromme Foundation, Teach for Bangladesh, Voluntary Service Overseas, World Vision Bangladesh, and Young Power in Social Action.
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DC Conference: Suggestions for education sector well-received by Dipu Moni
The Deputy Commissioners have proposed to the Education Minister to draft a code of conduct for private educational institutions under the monthly pay order (MPO).
Education Minister Dipu Moni revealed this at a press briefing for the Deputy Commissioners Conference 2023, organised by the Cabinet division at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday.
Read more: 2 probe committees to be formed over errors in textbooks: Dipu Moni
“We have educational institutions under MPO, for which a code of conduct has been proposed. We think this is a good proposal. We will work on it,” she said.
The DCs also talked about separating secondary and higher education, she said. “We feel that if we separate it, the synergies will reduce. So we have to think more about this issue.”
They (DCs) also recommended changing the vacation time in the educational institutions of Haor region through creating a flexible calendar, as different regions of the country get flooded at different times.
“We are already working on creating a separate calendar with everything in mind,” said the education minister.
Besides, the DCs suggested a full-time television channel on education, she added.
Read more: New curriculum books may contain mistakes: Dipu Moni
Another proposal made by the DCs is to change the designation of education officers after specifying as District Education Officer, Upazila Education Officer, District Primary Education Officer, Upazila Secondary Education Officer, District Secondary Education Officer, Upazila Secondary Education Officer.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the three-day conference of deputy commissioners (DCs) at Shapla Hall of her office here in the city.
2 probe committees to be formed over errors in textbooks: Dipu Moni
Two high-level probe committees will be formed to identify those responsible for mistakes and distortions in the textbooks distributed this year, said Education Minister Dipu Moni on Tuesday.
“I see identifying errors in the textbooks very positively,” she told the reporters at a press briefing on the corrections of mistakes in the textbooks of the new academic year at the International Mother Language Institute of the capital.
Read more: If there are errors in textbooks, they will be corrected: Dipu Moni
The outline of these two committees will be presented by next Sunday (January 29, 2023), she said, adding that officials from the Prime Minister's Office, Education, Primary and Mass Education ministries and related ministries will be involved in the committee.
A committee will consist of experts for each subject and the ministry will provide an online form for revision of textbooks, she said.
In this form, people from the country and abroad will have an opportunity to inform the ministry about errors or inconsistencies in textbooks, said Dipu Moni.
Experts will review all the textbooks again and will take note of the mistakes identified in the textbooks and fix them and those corrections will be sent to the educational institutions, she added.
Read more: NCTB gives corrections for 9 mistakes in 3 textbooks of new curriculum
The other committee will be formed with the representatives from the Prime Minister's Office, representatives from two ministries, representatives from National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) and officials of the ministries concerned, the education minister said.
“It will be investigated whether the mistakes and controversial topics in the textbook were intentionally added or not.”
Earlier, NCTB provided corrections for nine mistakes they found in three textbooks of classes 9 and 10 this year.
NCTB issued a notification in this regard on January 15, 2023 and posted the corrections on their website.
Read more: Zafar Iqbal admits plagiarism charge in new textbook, expresses disappointment
Besides, eminent writer and academician Dr Muhammed Zafar Iqbal and Professor Hasina Khan expressed regret over the plagiarised content found in the class 7 science textbook that they had edited. They also took responsibility in a statement.
As part of the new curriculum from this year, science textbooks for classes 6 and 7 were printed and distributed to students as ‘Anusandhani Path’. In an article published in a daily, a complaint was raised over copying some sections of this book from the National Geographic educational site.
Majority of children with disabilities are not enrolled in any formal education: Survey
More than half of children with disabilities in Bangladesh are not enrolled in any formal education, according to new national-level data revealed on Tuesday.
The findings come from the recently-published National Survey on Persons with Disabilities (NSPD) 2021, conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) with technical support from UNICEF.
The survey reveals that among children with disabilities (aged 5-17 years), only 65 per cent are enrolled in primary school and only 35 per cent are enrolled in secondary school. In total, 60 percent of children with disabilities aged 5-17 years are not in education.\
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The survey also found that children with disabilities who do attend formal education lag behind academically by over two years for their age on average.
“The data from this national survey – the first of its kind by the BBS – highlights the challenges children with disabilities face growing up. The findings will support the Government to formulate policies and initiatives to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh,” said Iftekhairul Karim, Project Director, BBS.
According to the survey, 1.7 percent of children in Bangladesh live with one of the twelve types of disability defined in the Persons with Disability Rights and Protection Act 2013, while 3.6 per cent of children face functional difficulty in at least one of the domains of seeing, hearing, walking, fine motor skills, communication, learning, playing or controlling behaviour.
“The new data highlights just how many children with disabilities in Bangladesh are losing out on education. We need to do more for these children. We need to provide the support and services they need, and we need to create an inclusive environment where they can thrive,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
Data from the survey also shed light on the difficulties that children with disabilities face as adults.
Read more: Youth with disabilities deprived of learning, employment scopes: Study
Only one third of persons with disabilities of working age are employed, with women with disabilities far more likely to be unemployed compared to men.
And while 90 percent of persons with disabilities who are registered with the Government receive disability allowances, the vast majority of them – about 65 per cent – remain unregistered.
Early identification and management of childhood disabilities are critical to maximizing the potential of children.
It is also critical to create an inclusive environment where families and service-providers can support children with disabilities to participate actively in all spheres of life.
UNICEF works with the government and partners in Bangladesh to champion the rights of children with disabilities to education, healthcare and future employment, and to remove social stigma and prejudice.
Open master’s programs at DU to start from 2022-23 academic session
The Dhaka University Syndicate has taken a decision to admit students from other universities in regular Master's degree courses of the university, subject to the availability of seats.
“Students, who have completed their graduation from any recognised (public and private) university of Bangladesh and are willing take master’s degree from Dhaka University, can apply for admission in DU if there are available seats in the department from 2022-23 academic year,” said a policy paper approved by DU syndicate recently.
However, applicants from any university other than Dhaka University can apply for the masters programs in Dhaka University if the minimum requirements set by the individual departments meet as the admission process will be controlled and conducted by individual departments and institutes.
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On the other hand, Dhaka University syndicate, the highest policy making authority of DU, has imposed a minimum requirement that the applicants have to obtain at least CGPA 3.25 in their bachelor program though there is no ban on age and academic session.
After fulfilling all the requirements set by individual departments and institutes, applicants have to sit for a 100-mark examination and a viva voce to take final admission. The exam will be held against the available seats and top scorers will be allowed to take admission.
However, foreign students can also avail this opportunity with the residential facility while Bangladeshi students will not be able to avail residential facilities as they will be considered as Non-resident.
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“DU authority has removed the age and academic session ban from this program so that the students from all walks of life can avail this opportunity. In our country, we have a culture that most of our students take admission in post-graduation courses immediately after completing the bachelor’s degree but in most of the countries of the world, students do their master’s program much later. The decision has been taken to ensure inclusiveness quality education,” prof. Zia Rahman, dean of social science faculty told UNB.
“As all general students do not enrol in master's programs after graduation, some seats remain available. To provide our best service, both outsider students and former DU students will get the same opportunity by paying the same tuition for the standard Master's program,” he added.
Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman said, “In order to promote inclusiveness and lifelong learning opportunities for everyone, we are allowing graduates from other public universities and UGC-approved institutions to enrol in our bachelor's programs.”
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“Private universities are also approved by UGC, so student, who completed the undergraduate courses, will be considered as worthy to admit to these masters’ courses and through this they will have the opportunity so take the subject they like,” he added
Earlier, students other than Dhaka University could not avail the opportunity to take master’s degree from Dhaka University but for the first time DU took this academic initiative to provide and create an inter-academic, inclusive and lifelong education system.
Ensuring young women's equal access to education central to gender equality: US
The US has said ensuring young women's equal access to education is central to gender equality.
Women and girls have the right to learn, innovate, compete, and succeed in the global economy, it added.
The US is working to make this vision a reality through its Global Women's Economic Security strategy.
From January 21 to 22, US Senior Official to the Secretary of State in the Office of Global Women's Issues Kat Fotovat participated in the 10th Commencement Ceremony of the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Chattogram where she delivered remarks and met with students and faculty.
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HSBC, AUW launch one-year master of science in apparel, retail management programme
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and The Asian University for Women (AUW) together Saturday (January 21, 2023) announced the launch of the "HSBC-AUW School of Apparel and Retail Management," a one-year master of science in apparel and retail management programme.
The programme will be guided by a global academic committee chaired by Dipak C Jain, former dean of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He also served as the dean of INSEAD in France.
The HSBC-AUW School of Apparel and Retail Management will prepare young female professionals with expertise in fashion, merchandising, supply chain management, brand management, and occupational health and safety issues, said a media statement Saturday.
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The programme was launched at the "HSBC-AUW School of Apparel: Leading the Future of Fashion" at Chattogram hotel.
Education Minister Dipu Moni sent a video message to the event.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, AUW founder Kamal Ahmad, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Faruque Hassan, former Denmark prime minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, US state department senior official Katrina Fotovat, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, and HSBC Bangladesh CEO Md Mahbub ur Rahman, joined the programme.
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AUW Vice-Chancellor Rubana Huq said: "Today, the apparel industry in Bangladesh needs a homegrown talent pool, which will serve the needs of the sector. So, to prepare cohorts ready to take on the challenge of employability in Bangladesh, AUW is happy to launch the School of Apparel with HSBC Bangladesh."
Amanda Murphy, head of commercial banking (South and Southeast Asia) at HSBC said: "The global apparel industry is evolving rapidly alongside emerging technologies, changing consumption patterns and an increasing focus on sustainability."
"We are proud to partner with the Asian University for Women to launch the HSBC-AUW School of Apparel and the Masters programme to equip future talent with the expertise to drive continued innovation in Bangladesh's largest export industry. Importantly, this programme supports the professional and leadership development of women, providing better access to opportunities through inclusion and fostering long-term growth for Bangladesh and its communities."
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Academic excellence, industry relevance and social significance would be the defining features of the programme. The graduates would be technologically savvy, have superior communication skills and gain up-to-date, contemporary knowledge and skills needed for apparel and retail management.
Under the programme, 13 courses will be offered to students of AUW. And 50 students will be enrolled in the inaugural year.
HSBC will help set up the school by designing Mac labs and providing support for curriculum and faculty, IT and class infrastructure and education materials.
Read More: Bangladesh to become 9th largest consumer market globally by 2030: HSBC
US Embassy to host university fairs in Dhaka, Chattogram
The US Embassy in Dhaka will host US university fairs in Dhaka and for the first time in Chattogram.
The embassy will arrange the fairs through its EducationUSA platform in partnership with EdPrograms, according to a media statement.
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The first fair will be held at Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View on January 29 and the second one at InterContinental Dhaka on January 31.
The programme aims to provide prospective students, teachers, and college counsellors with a unique opportunity to learn about the US higher education application process from admissions officers from 12 accredited higher education institutions.
Anyone who wants to attend the events needs to register at https://forms.gle/aFAEzJmfJQ2wKoH78 for Chattogram fair and https://forms.gle/BxpHge2zEuhkPVF88 for Dhaka.
The fairs will include interactive discussions and one-on-one fireside chat opportunities for students to engage with US university admissions recruiters, EducationUSA advisors, and US Embassy officials.
From their booths, US institutions of higher education will give information on admissions and scholarship opportunities.
Besides, the programme will feature information sessions on the F-1 student visa process.
Read more: US Embassy to host virtual university fairs for promising Bangladeshi students
The fairs will also provide students with an opportunity to learn firsthand from testing services on SAT and banking representatives on financial options.
EducationUSA is the US Department of State's network of over 425 international student advising centres in 178 countries. The network promotes US higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited institutions in the US.
EducationUSA also provides services to the US higher education community to help institutional leaders meet their recruitment and campus internationalisation goals.
In Bangladesh, EducationUSA advising services and reference materials are available across the country at the American Center at the US Embassy in Dhaka, the Edward M Kennedy Center for Public Service and the Arts in Dhanmondi, and virtually in Chattogram.
EducationUSA reference libraries and remote advising services are also accessible in collaboration with the American Corners in Khulna, Sylhet, and Rajshahi.
No JSC, JDC exams from now on
The examinations for Junior School Certificate (JSC) and Junior Dakhil Certificate (JDC) for the 2022 and 2023 sessions have been cancelled, and the two exams will no longer be held as the government of Bangladesh has moved to implement the new curriculum
A press release, signed by Deputy Secretary of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Division Akther Unnisa Shiuly, confirmed this on Monday (January 16, 2023).
Also read: New curriculum books may contain mistakes: Dipu Moni
“No provision was kept for holding the JSC, JDC or board exams in line with the ‘National Curriculum Outline-2021’, in hence the decision to suspend the exams (JSC, JDC) can be considered,” the release said.
Apart from this, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the decision, it added.
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