Our Next Classes + Saturday Workshop Materials

We will have exactly 10 classes before the FSD-3 class is winded off. In this 10 classes, I intend to work on the following materials. The materials are prepared based on your feedbacks.

1. Vocabulary - 10 Min [Everyone MUST bring 100 Words List]
2. Sentence Openings
3. Long Essay Writing
4. How to read and remember Difficult Academic Texts
5. Writing Advanced Letters [Omar Faruk will help me]
6. Writing Academic Essays [Faisal Arefin will assist me]
7. Presentation Skill & Public Speaking
8. Sophie's World - every class 10 Min [Different Students will help in Reading]
9. Poetry Reading [for improving thinking in English]
10. Benefits of reading Novels - Selina and Sanjoy will assist me. They will present the storylines of Awakening and Lord of the Flies before the class and explain whether Reading improved their ability in expression. 

Our Saturday Writing Workshop will focus on the follwoing things:

How to Construct a Complex Sentence

How to put a Thesis for a Paper

Writing Grant Proposal

Writing Business Proposal 

If you have weakness in the above you are strongly encouraged to apply. Only 6 more positions remaining.

Saturday Writing Workshops (Beginning from 6th April) - Submit E-mail Applications

After a talk with Departmental Office Secretary Mr. Mominul Islam, I found out that Room-9056 is available for use on Saturdays (3pm-6pm). I will meet students who want to work with me for Writing Workshop on Saturdays. I will hold FOUR Special Saturday Writing Workshops. Only 10 Students will be accepted for First working Day on 6th April. In conducting workshops, I will follow the working methods used at world famous University of Edinburgh, UK (myself a participant in 2018) and University of Iowa, USA. The photograph is taken from University of Iowa Writing Workshop, which shows our possible sitting arrangements.  

1. Since I will have around 10 more classes before end of Semester by 25 April, I want to set a Routine of our class materials. I will need to sit with a select group of students who will guide me through the way our Final Exam should be conducted. Volunteers needed.
2. I will distribute the FSD-3 Handbook by Monday. Please send me e-mail to give your suggestion for anything you want me include in the Handbook (other than what I have already included).
3. Cost of Saturday Writing Workshop participation is 30/- Tk (for evening refreshments & workshop materials). To be paid in Advance. 

Some Reading Articles for People with Attitude

Here are some links to articles. Naznin Shuvo from this class requested a few links to some good reading materials. Here is what you can do. You will need between 10-20 min to read each article.

1. 10 Novels that Will Make You Smarter in Business
2. 7 things Every College Kids know from Day 1
3. 50 Greatest Novels for Business Majors
4. Why Students Should Read Classics
5. What is Creativity

Dear FSD-3 students, the above articles are ONLY for the people with Attitude. Regular boys and girls should NOT open the above links.

"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankel - কেন লিডারদের জন্য গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বই

FSD-3 Students are requested to ponder (ভাবনা-চিন্তা করা) why this book by a holocaust survivor is on MANY top Business Reading list. Here are some points for you. 

"Man's Search for Meaning" is a  moving real-life story of grit and survival in the face of nothing less than WWII holocaust which will shake you to the core and at the same time encourage you to ask the right questions, look for higher meaning of existence. The first part of this top leadership book primarily discusses how the prisoners of a concentration camp found meaning to survive in the face of unimaginable adversities and the second part is devoted to a unique psychotherapeutic approach developed by the author, which he calls logotherapy, as in ‘meaning as a therapy.’ An unusual work which has inspired and motivated millions of readers across the world to find meaning to strive and survive in the face of insurmountable odds.

এখানে বইটির লিংক
এ্রখানে বইটির বিস্তারিত আলোচনা দেখুন

Key Takeaways [নেয়ার মত জিনিষ] from this Top Leadership Book

If leadership is about the survival and triumph of human spirit in the face of fearsome odds, then this work is nothing less than a prized possession for anyone who aspires to lead or even simply to survive. The author, based on his own real life experience, surmises that (ক) search for the meaning and (খ) being able to identify - are the keys to surviving under almost any conditions. It gives you the most important thing needed for survival, purpose and hope.

If you only stick to Business Books and Biographies, you're not learning as much as you could

Original Link to this Article10 Literary Classics for Business Leaders 

Biographies of inspirational figures, leadership how-to titles, and management case studies will all give you great insights on how to be a better entrepreneur and leader, but if that's all you read, you're really not getting a well-rounded diet of books.

Scientific research and much admired leaders like Barack Obama, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg all agree -- if you want to get the most out of your reading time, you really need to mix in some literature.

Engaging with literary classics won't just make you a better informed citizen and more interesting conversationalist, they'll also teach you deep lessons about what motivates, perplexes, inspires, and corrupts human beings. Which is just what you need to know to be a great leader. 

To help out those who want to broaden their reading horizons, I combed the internet for recommendations from experts and leaders, looking specifically for suggestions of classic books that have valuable lessons to teach aspiring leaders. Here's what I found.

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

If you didn't manage to get through this classic story of a self-made millionaire's rise and fall (or if you've totally forgotten it since high school), now is a great time to pick it up.

From Gatsby we can learn "how life can be transformed by pitching one's life above the day-to-day practicality, above the desire for security, above the drive for power. I don't think that many of us can live at Gatsby's level of idealism very much of the time," Stanford Business School's Scotty McLennan says. "But of course Fitzgerald's book challenges us to an idealism beyond Gatsby's, by pointing up so poignantly the limitations of his ideals."

2. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Author John Coleman included this classic on a list of must-read books for young leaders he pulled together for HBR. "Emperor of Rome from 161 to 180 A.D., Marcus Aurelius is considered one of history's 'philosopher kings,' and his Meditations were perhaps his most lasting legacy," Coleman explains. "They remain a wonderful insight into the mind of a man who ruled history's most revered empire at the age of 40 and provide remarkably practical advice for everyday life."

3. Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris

A title of more recent vintage, Ferris's hilarious 2007 novel tells the story of the dying days of an advertising agency following the dot com bust. "The book offers keen insights into the way that even the most irritating co-workers can become your best friends -- and how even the most soul-sucking work can be fulfilling on some level," explains Shana Lebowitz in an article on the World Economic Forum. If you're looking for a title that's light enough to take on vacation, but still fully loaded with leadership wisdom, this just might be the book for you.

4. The Stranger by Albert Camus

This existentialist classic definitely isn't beach reading, but it is a "pretty powerful ways of clearing the deck," according to McLennan. It will force you to put aside petty everyday concerns and face the hardest question of all -- what is the meaning of life (or is there any meaning at all).

5. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Set in a small Nigerian village under British colonial rule, this novel is full of leadership wisdom, according to both McLennan and Lebowitz, who claims it "raises questions about what makes a successful leader, and what happens when the leader's ambitions conflict with the group's interests."

Even if you already read it in school, give it another go now, suggests McLennan. "The exact same book looks different every ten years," he insists.

6. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

A cautionary tale for leaders, this novel catalogs what happens when a plane crash leaves a group of schoolboys stranded alone on a deserted island. (Hint: it's nothing pretty). "For people at all levels of a business, the book offers meaningful lessons on the relationship between leaders and followers and the tension between teamwork and individuality," notes Lebowitz.

7. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

A favorite of Richard Branson (and also a cracking good tale), this novel of a boy's adventures in the antebellum American south was recommended by entrepreneur Sujan Patel in Entrepreneur. It's "the story of a boy growing up and learning to trust his own instincts of right and wrong over what society tells him. As an entrepreneur, this lesson of trusting your gut and not other people's opinions is an important one," he writes.

8. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

A top recommendation of Amazon's Jeff Bezos, McLennan calls the understated novel about a British butler with a secret past a "helpful study of the difference between East and West." It's also a compelling portrait of regret, a case study in ethical decision-making, and an exploration of how repressed thoughts force their way to the surface. (It's one of my personal favorites too.)

9. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

A psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Frankl writes both about his horrifying experiences of living through a concentration camp and his theory of human psychology, known as logotherapy. "His story alone is worth the read -- a reminder of the depths and heights of human nature -- and the central contention of logotherapy -- that life is primarily about the search for meaning -- has inspired leaders for generations," contends Coleman.

10. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

The UK's Independent newspaper included this one on its list of books that every well-rounded person should read. Why? It "makes philosophy relatable and easy to understand" and is "filled with timeless advice on how to live a better and more fulfilling life." Who couldn't use some of that wisdom? Plus, it's a pretty fun read.

Students' Feedback on FSD-3

I have already gone through the feedback provided by the students. I am very glad to report that a good number of students have analytically commented on the course contect and method of course delivery. In the following double-column comment boxes, I am summarizing some of the key areas of observations, follwoed by my own responses. 

Students who share this opinion	General observation on the course content and usefulness of the program	My response on the points raised
Shafiqul Hasan	Very useful for improving my English. More than 1000 words have been discussed with examples. I now can easily remember words. Literature helped remember words	Ok, good. Glad that you find this class helpful for your improvement.
Ayasha Binti	I was week in English. Now feel confident.  I have learned writing reports of 2000-2500 words.	Great!
Shohanur R.	I feel highly motivated to read a lot.	Excellent!
	I have learnt SOME vocabulary	You will learn more in the next few weeks
Shaonty Nidra	Crazy, funny, and extremely mad about teaching us, improve us, or make us learn something. Like his spirit, way of taking feedback and not giving up on us.	Such a great Recommendation Shaonty. I ignored all other things you said about your improvements. I'll display this page in a frame in my office. Thanks! You are the ONLY writer to mention time-management as a performance deterrent. We'll talk.
	This course helped me overcome my weakness text reading, vocabulary, speed reading.	Very glad to hear this. We need to work for more.
Shahab Uddin	I was inspired. Now feel comfortable to read any book in English.	This is an inspiring comment.
Almost everyone wrote this	My vocabulary is Horrific. I am the Emperor of Poor-vocab. I am a dead person regarding vocabulary.	You all need to concentrate in class. You will be surprised how easily you can learn words. I'll work 10 min everyday.
Ashraful Islam and Saikat	I need your special care, not only during this semester but throughout the whole year	Since you really need this attention, I am ready to provide guidance & help.
	Give us simple writing task (assignments/essays/) for HW/CW.	I want to - but you see there are many others who will hate me more for pursuing this idea. But, I'll try.
Saikat Dev Nath	I now can get the meaning easily. I am already getting benefit from vocabulary sheets. Weak in stage presenationa.	It's an Excellent thing that you are getting enefitted. For improving your stage fright, CONCENTRATE on reading a LOT. A lot really!
Rony Khondoker	I improved in reading essay. I learned how to write proposal. My reading speed has improved. Sometimes I don't understand a sentence.	Very good news. For improving your understanding a sentence my advice is - read, read, read.
Kausar Mahdi	Previously I used to take long time to find meaning. Now it is easier. We should be given Group Works	Greaat to hear your improvement. I am considering your proposal as well.
Sanjoy Basak	I had very little habit of free writing. Now I have confidence in writing. I am trying to read more and more.	Good news!
	I do not understant some reference to Literature / Poetry.	I will try to be more interactive next time.
	Learnt Art of Speaking. Use of Body Language.	You are getting the best items from my class.
Saimum	Great learning with - art of speaking, useing body language, amazing tone, appropriate vocab. The class of "Five women from 1969" was amazing.	Great to hear you are developing your soft skills. It is wonderful to see how you are finding interest in cultural analysis.
Sadia Islam	I learned how to write e-mails, how to type. My handwriting is so bad!	Sadia, I want to work with you for improving your handwriting. It's easy!!!
	FSD-3 helped improve my writing skills. FSD-3 also helping us to improve presentation skills.	Shahadat Hossain, thank you for your feedback. But I want to see more assignments coming from you.
	Learning how to read storybooks	Great news!
	My Vocabulary is Improving!	Excellent!
Promesh	I plan to read 10 Pages a day	Salute!!!
	I have very Poor writing skill	Only practice can improve your writing

Ebne Al Maruf	আমাকে আরো শব্দ জানতে হবে। আগের চেয়ে দ্রুত পড়তে পারছি। প্রতি ক্লাসে সহজ বিষয় নিয়ে বাড়ির কাজ দেয়া যেতে পারে।	I like your suggestion. But, I might get assassinated (I am NOT serious) for following your idea of giving Home Work.
Annonymous comment	I do NOT see any good purpose of working with Literature. We feel annoyed.	All over the world experts, educationists, linguists, researchers, & teachers recommend using story/poetry to improve 2nd Language learning. So, there will be NO change in content and format of FSD-3 class.
Writer's Name undisclosed	We should learn business communicatio properly. Literature is boring to business students. We are not learning anything from literature. Help us memorise vocabulary easily.	Dear student, you must understand that Business Communication is only 5% of our course. Please read my response to  above annonymous comment. Why memorize vocabulary? You should use words for expressing Your Ideas with sophistication.
Kazi Noor Ahmed	I am emperor of lazyness. I need to wake up and start working/reading.	Good decision. But don't change your mind again.
	I always feared English, but recently, I started reading English literature. English understanding speed has greatly improved.	Very encouraging comment.
Fatematuzzohra	I find reading essays and journals more comfortable. Gained capability of writing Essay, Article.	Fatema, you need to start working on long books, stories, and even novels. This will improve you in Rocket Speed.
Rejoun Shorif	Improving vocabulary will improve my English Reading & Writing.	Completely wrong. Only 'Reading', 'Reading', 'Reading' will improve your ability to Write and Speak.
Raian Khan	In the past I had to stop reading to find meaning of difficult words. Now it's easy for me to read flawlessly. My Writing improved.	I am very excited to hear that your 'exam paper' marks improved as a result of improved writing. Please encourage others to follow your method.
Ishrat Holy	a) I have come to know a lot of interesting books. b) Now waiting to learn the secrets of speed reading. c) Word with stories are easy to remember. d) Need assignments with marks for seriousness.	Thanks for these comments. I agree with all your points raised. A couple of other students also think that getting more assignments are very effective. I already have few assignments in mind.
Meem	English for future leaders BLOG is important for improving my English. Word-learning through acting helped me a lot.	It's great to know that you regularly check the BLOG. You will benifit a lot from this practice. I am glad to hear that you improved in your reading ability.
Jannatul Ferdous	I love performing on a given task. Sophie's World is great. But biggest problem is I cannot speak fluently.	Speaking fluently happens when you have LOT of Ideas. Without knowledge and ideas, you cannot speak much!
Omar Faruk	I am NOT interested in speed reading. To me remembering what I have read is more important than how much I read.	Faruk, you are right! Only if you READ a LOT, then you remember a LOT. Low reading output will end in LOW remembering. Talk to me for more.
Shuvo Deb	FSD-3 is NOT improving my English as I expected. In writing I have made little improvement. Vocabulary is my weakest area.	Shuvo, You have not submitted any assignment, you never came over to me or approached me for discussing your problems. You find reading difficult, because you do not read a lot. But, we can easily change this! Keep working.
Asi K.	I have learned to read English very well through this course. Vocabulary sessions were very helpful. If I can practice more, I will improve in writing and reading.	Asi, I agree with you completely. I will try to assign you with more writing assignments.
Shahadat Hossain	FSD-3 Course is helping us in improving our Presentation skills.	Great to know!
Marwa	The ONLY incentive for a non-credit course is enjoyment. I appreciate FSD-3 content, but don't want additional pressure. I did not enjoy the vocabulary method but I learned more words than I thought I would. I can read more analytically now. My writng quality has also improved, as I write systematically.  Class environment needs to be more amicable.	Too many contradictory declarations. I strongly recommend, you should not confuse Enjoyment = Easiness. Difficult and challenging content can be enjoyable too. If you are here in this class only for Enjoyment, you are sure to become disillusioned. But look! Your vocabulary improved and your writing style improved as well. So, be patient. Happiness comes from toughness. I will try to be more amiable in class.
Meem	This is a 'real' practice of English. I have started reading English Newspaper. Checking BLOG is a daily practice now.	Such an excellent news!
Tasfia Tasnim	I don't know if I enjoyed this Non-credit course. Don't have any incentive to do the tasks. Enjoyed reading various articles and opportunity to learn philosophy, sociology, economics. I did not enjoy vocabulary sessions - but now I can use more words in writing.	A number of contradictory statements again. You do not have incentives and yet you enjoyed learning. But the BEST 'side-effect' of meaningful learning is that you will enjoy your mental growth. You have the greatest incentives now. Thanks for working in spite of your unwillingness. Keep going!
S. Ahsanul Haque	This course is supposed to develop Business English. In absense of a course outline, students have problem followoing the content. I developed better understanding of Texts. This course helped me to "really' improve my reading ability. The vocabulary method used in FSD-3 is the best way for me. Need help in writing.	If you are attentive and work for your OWN development, you will NOT be disappointed. Secondly, I will give you the course content by next week, which I already promised in the class. Many students say that they 'dislike' the way I built their vocabulary - but the method actually IMPROVED their vocabulary. কি আজব কথা।
Mostafizur Rahman	I learnt a few words. I get puzzled while reading journals/articles.	Mostafiz, we need to talk. But, you have to send me an email first.
Laki Akter	Previously, I did not read books. Now I try to read every day. I learnt how to read speedily. More writing.	Very glad to hear that you started reading every day. I will do what you suggested for writing practice
Marjan Akhter	Learned a lot of new things - essay, Job application. Need more vocab.	Great to hear that you are learning new soft skills from this course.

Fahad	Every day the class engages us with new unique topics. Time shortage problem. I prefer pamphlets/bookles. It's a Non-credit course.	Fahad, all seems fine, you just expect very little pressure. With little pressure you learn slow. There is nothing called a small book. I will bring a SMALL book for you.
Yalid Aman	Great journey in English. I read a lot for this class. Poems, articles, essays are now easy for me. I still have dificulty in Analytical Text Books.	Good to hear your experience. I already have a FULL class on Academic Article reading methods.
Maruf Hasan	Previously, I was afraid of reading any text. Now, it is easier for me.	Maruf, finish the textbooks and assignments, you will surprise yourself.
Umme Saima	I read the Free-market article 4 times and still could not get the meaning. So, I could not submit assignment.	Saima, you need to start working on MORE reading materials. First, a bit easier and then Difficult Level.
Touhid	This course was a good way to overcome my weakness in English. I was surprised that we did not give much effort in this course.	Touhid, I liked your quote: "Nothing can be more gracious than to calm a raging soul". But you see, everyone needs to work Very Very Hard.
Rakib Rana	Learnt many things. But I can not remember after reading a difficult text. In exam I am unable to express my knowledge.	Rakib, you just need to READ Every Day. If you do it for 10 days, all your problems will VANISH. Write, take notes, write and read, and READ.
Marjan Akter	Weakness in speaking. Limited vocabulary.	Marjan, you had NOT been very hard-working. I think I need to sit with you.

Nadia Sultana	Finished "Metamorphosis". I feel that I cannot interpret the concept in a Question in exam hall.	Your working with the Business Page would greatly improve your ability. I will take a class on Academic Reading.
Arman	Need more writing materials for Business Report, Research Paper, Term Paper.	We already have it in our Advanced part of the course outline.
Ahnaf Raidah	I feel the motivation. Had a fear of English Literature, but now started reading. Reading speed improved a little. My English Understanding Ability has improved. Writing has become more organized, because I now can 'think' in English.	Very important comment. Others should also start 'thinking' in English.