Abdullah Al Mahmud, PhD

Dr. Abdullah Al-Mahmud has more than seventeen years of teaching, research, editing, and administration experience in Malaysia and Bangladesh. Over these years, he has taught various courses in English Language and Literature, Applied Linguistics, and TESOL/ELT to students from more than forty countries. Before joining ULAB, he was a Senior Lecturer of English and Education at MAHSA University Malaysia, an Assistant Professor of English at United International University Bangladesh, and an Adjunct English Lecturer at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Abdullah has a PhD in ESL from Monash University and an MA in Applied Linguistics & ELT with a BA Honors in English Literature from the University of Dhaka. He has publications in high-impact indexed journals and international/national conference papers. His research interests include Applied Linguistics, TESOL/ELT, Critical Pedagogy, Comparative Linguistics, and Postcolonial Studies. Abdullah loves traveling, observing & reflecting, reading, and having meaningful interaction with students. As a multilingual pracademic himself, Abdullah promotes multilingualism and believes in a critical and comparative approach to education, language, and literature. 

PhD (ESL, Postcolonial Education, Critical Pedagogy) Monash University, Australia/Malaysia

MA in Applied Linguistics and ELT, Department of English, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

BA Honors in English Literature, Department of English, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

More Certificates

• CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), Cambridge Assessment English, Teaching House New York - Toronto Centre.
• Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (six months long), Linton University College, Malaysia.
• ‘Persian Language Course’ (three months long) at Iranian Cultural Centre Dhaka.
• ‘Higher Arabic Language Course for Teachers’ (two months long) under Medinah University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Applied Linguistics, ELT/TESOL, Social Justice Approach in Education, Critical Pedagogy, Comparative Linguistics, World English, World Literature, English Literature, Postcolonial Studies, Inter- and Intra-faith Harmony.

Awards/Grants/Scholarships

• Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarship for PhD at Monash University Malaysia.
• Graduate Research Scholarship (GRS) for PhD in Applied Linguistics at the University of Brunei Darussalam.
• Egypt Government’s PhD Scholarship to study at Cairo University through the Ministry of Education Bangladesh.
• Monash University VC’s International Inter-Campus PhD Student Mobility Grant, Monash Clayton, Australia.
• A fully funded grant for a summer school held at Istanbul 29-Mayis University by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Office of Public Diplomacy (KDK) of Türkiye.
• Bangladesh government’s stipend for BA Honors in English at the University of Dhaka.

Accolades

• ‘Chief Executive Award’ for research excellence, Linton University College, Malaysia.
• ‘Staff Recognition’ award in appreciation of five years of dedicated services and commitment, Linton University College, Malaysia.
• ‘Lecturer of the Week’ award from Linton University College, Malaysia.
• ‘Most Understanding Lecturer’ award from Students’ Representative Council, Linton University College, Malaysia.

• Executive Member, University Governance Documentation and Review (UGDRC) project (completed), MAHSA University Malaysia (MU).
• Member, Senate and Teaching Learning Evaluation committee, MU.
• Member, Student Disciplinary Board, Linton University College (LUC).
• Communication Editor, MU Chancellery and LUC Rectorate.
• Team Leader, the English coursebook project for the three modules of United International University (UIU) English Language Institute
• Executive member, Convocation committee, LUC, MU, and UIU.
• Designed a Postgraduate Certificate program in Teaching and Learning for MU.
• Designed and conducted a training program titled ‘English Proficiency Program for the Educators (EPPE)’ for the academic staff of LUC.
• Developed prospectus/brochure for over 100 training and workshops for MU and MAHSA Academy (MACS).
• Executive Technical committee member of ten conferences and three journals of MU.
• Trainer, workshop titled ‘Reflective Teaching’ for the academic staff of Linton University College, Malaysia (LUC).
• Team leader, audit of programs by MQA (Malaysian Qualifications Agency) for Center for Education and Languages, MU.
• Directed IELTS Equivalent English tests for students and staff at LUC.
• Conducted seven staff training sessions (on pedagogy, COPPA Malaysia, etc.) for LUC.
• Member, Curriculum Committee, LUC (for designing BA in English program).
• Member, ISO Audit Committee and OBE Implementation Committee of LUC.
• Managed institutional conduct of English tests at LUC in collaboration with PASSWORD English Language Testing Ltd, UK.
• Mentor, Student Central, MAHSA University, Malaysia.
• Ex Co-Editor, annual magazines of UIU.

1. Panel Discussant, International Seminar 2: Secularization, Islamization and Globalization in South Asia: Beyond bipolar Politics in Bangladesh, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), Japan, August 2022.
2. Panel Speaker, “The Impact of COVID-19 on Education in Malaysia”, 3rd Najran Virtual Healthcare Forum, the Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia and Najran provincial health affairs office, Najran, Saudi Arabia, December 2021.
3. Invited Talk on “English as a Lingua Franca: Disputes and Developments”, MAHSA University Malaysia, September 2021.
4. Keynote address on “Educational Transformation in the Post-Covid Era: Challenges Versus Prospects” at ICRIETMS-2022, PSN Engineering College, Tamilnadu, India, March 2022.

1. TESL Canada (International), since 2021
2. Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE), since 2018.
3. Asia TEFL, since 2008.
4. Life member, English Department Alumni Society, University of Dhaka, since 2006.

1. ASIATIC, IIUM
2. Crossings
3. Language Testing in Asia
4. MAHSA International Journal of Business and Social Sciences
5.  IBIMA conferences 
6. MAHSA University Malaysia conferences
7. Acta Psychologica 

1. ‘The Post-Islamist Directions of Thoughts Among the Ulama of Bangladesh’, funded by Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Japan (Principal Investigator, Completed, 2022).
2. ‘ELT in the Context of Neocolonial Power Relations: a Macro-Micro Quality Framework for a Postcolonial Critical Pedagogy’, PhD thesis, Monash University, (Completed, 2020) https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/thesis/ELT_IN_THE_CONTEXT_OF_NEOCOLONIAL_POWER_RELATIONS_A_MACRO-MICRO_QUALITY_FRAMEWORK_FOR_A_POSTCOLONIAL_CRITICAL_PEDAGOGY/13395365 

1. Manzoor, S.R. & Al Mahmud, A. (2024).  Analyzing Push and Pull Factors for the Sustainable Impact of Inbound International Muslims in Malaysia: An Emerging Diaspora of Integrated Transnational Islam. In Ahmet Köroğlu & Baptiste Brodard (Eds.), Transnational Islam and Muslim Politics: Policies, Identities, and Ideologies (pp.19-40). Istanbul University Press. DOI: 10.26650/B/SS30AA25.2024.003.002
2. Manzoor, S.R., Singh, J.K.N., Al-Mahmud, A. (2023). The Implications of Work-Based Learning Initiatives in Malaysian Universities: Developing International Postgraduate Students’ Employability. In: Singh, J.K.N., Latiner Raby, R., Bista, K. (eds) International Student Employability. Knowledge Studies in Higher Education, vol 12. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33254-8_6
3. Al-Mahmud, A. Segar, K.C. & Sriabirami, S. (2019). Error patterns of Malay speaking tertiary students in English essay writing: A collaborative action research. In Aqeel Khan and Hishan Sanil (Eds.) Recent Trends on Multidisciplinary Research, Singapore: Headway Global Research Consultancy, pp.1-7.
4. Al-Mahmud, A. (2016). Eschatological and Metaphysical Perspectives in Historiography: Rethinking the Current Global Events. In Mercan, M. H. (Eds.) Transformation of the Muslim World in the 21^st Century. UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, pp.38-58.
5. Al-Mahmud, A. (1997). Taqwar Mormokotha (‘The Gist of Piety’), translated from Urdu Haqeeqat-e-Taqwa of Amin Ahsan Islahi to Bengali). Dhaka: Kollan Prokashoni.

1. Manzoor, S.R., Chong, S.C., Al-Mahmud, A., & Asmawi, A. (2024). The Impacts of a Redefined HEI Image Model on Postgraduate International Students' Satisfaction in Malaysia. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology (IJSSMET), 15(1), DOI: 10.4018/IJSSMET.339885 (SCOPUS)
2. Manzoor, S.R. & Al-Mahmud, A. (2023). Redefining a value co-creation behaviour model student satisfaction in HEIs. International Journal of Services and Operations Management, https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSOM.2023.132466. (SCOPUS).
3. Manzoor, S.R. Malarvizhi, C.A., Al-Mahmud, A., & Mahdee, J. (2021) Investigating the impact of university image on international students’ participation behavior: An empirical study. F1000Research 2021, 10. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.73403.1. (SCOPUS).
4. Manzoor, S.R., Ho, J.S.Y & Al-Mahmud, A. (2021). Revisiting the ‘University Image Model’ for Higher Education Institutions’ Sustainability. Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, DOI: 10.1080/08841241.2020.1781736. (SCOPUS).
5. Al-Mahmud, A. (2020). Postcolonial Critical Pedagogy of English Language: Formulating Good Practices. Journal of the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies (JCACS), 18(1), Canada: York University.
6. Al-Mahmud, A. & Kaosar, A. (2019). Cross-Binary Network and Other Major Grounds for Teaching Vocabulary to Advanced Learners of English. Journal of Teaching English for Specific & Academic Purposes, 7(2), 185-197, DOI: 10.22190/JTESAP1902185A, Serbia: University of Nis. (SCOPUS).
7. Al-Mahmud, A. & Gupta, S. (2019). A Collaborative Action Research on Teaching Writing to the Spanish-Speaking Equatorial Guinea Students of an EFL Class at a Malaysian University College. Journal of Business and Social Review in Emerging Economies, 5(1), 01-08, DOI: https://doi.org/10.26710/jbsee.v5i1.545. (HEC Pakistan indexed).
8. Al-Mahmud, A., Chandran, S. & Gupta, S. (2018). Teaching Writing to Chinese Speaking Students: A Collaborative Action Research. Advanced Science Letters, 24(1), 220-222. USA: American Scientific Publishers, (SCOPUS).
9. Manzoor, S. R. & Al-Mahmud, A. (2015). Use of ICT in Teaching Introductory Marketing Principles at Tertiary Level in Malaysia. Journal of Education and Social Sciences (JESOC), 1, 1-19, Malaysia: Zes Rokman.
10. Al-Mahmud, A. (2013). Constructivism and Reflectivism as the logical Counterparts in TESOL: Theory versus Methodology. TEFLIN Journal, 24(2), 237-257. (SCOPUS).
11. Al Quaderi, G. G. & Al-Mahmud, A. (2010). English Literature at English Medium Schools of Bangladesh: The Question of Culture. Pedagogy, Culture & Society, 18(2), 211–226, UK: Routledge. (SCOPUS).
12. Al Quaderi, G. G. & Al-Mahmud, A. (2010). English Literature at English Medium Schools of Bangladesh: The Question of Post-colonial Pedagogy. ASIATIC, 4(2), Malaysia: IIUM, 121-154. (SCOPUS).
13. Hasin, S., Al-Mahmud, A. & Jahan, T. S. (2010). Handling Gender-bias in ELT Classrooms: Cultural Concepts and Students’ Stereotypic Beliefs. TEACHERS’ WORLD, Vol 35-36, 184-191, Dec 2009-June 2010. Bangladesh: IER, University of Dhaka.

1. Al-Mahmud, A. (2021). “A Critical Pedagogy Framework for Decolonizing ELT in Postcolonial Muslim Countries: Assessing Cultural Appropriacy of Popular ELT Books”. Proceedings of 7th International ILEM Summer School, Prime Minister’s office of Türkiye and Istanbul University Turkey, pp.13-15.
2. Manzoor, S.R., Malarvizhi, C.A. & Al-Mahmud, A. (2021). “Investigating the Impact of University Image on International Students' Participation Behaviour”. Proceedings of Digital Futures International Congress 2021 (DIFCON2021), Multimedia University Malaysia, Canadian University Dubai, and Taylor & Francis Group, 21-23 June 2021, p.287.
3. Al-Mahmud, A. (2021). “Decolonizing English Language Education: In Search of a Generic Framework of Good Practices”. III South Asian Studies Conference 2019, Dublin City University, 28-30 April 2021, Ireland.
4. Al-Mahmud, A. (2019). “A Postcolonial Critical Look into the Culture Content of the Public Secondary English Textbook of Bangladesh”. Proceedings of ‘Bangladesh in the Next 30 Years: Challenges and Prospects’ conference. Bangladesh Development Initiative, with Yale University’s South Asian Studies Council, 22-24 March 2019, USA.  
5. Al-Mahmud, A. (2018). “ELF in Language Assessment at Malaysian HEIs: A Lexico-grammatical Analysis of English Speaking”. Proceedings (Abstract Book) of Second International Conference on Multidisciplinary Contemporary Conference (2^nd ICMCR), 11-12 August 2018, Singapore.
6. Malarvizhi, C. A., Junainah, A., Manzoor, S. R. & Al-Mahmud, A. (2017). “The Impact of Marketing Strategies upon Students’ Overseas University Enrolment Decisions”. In Sustainable Economic Growth, Education Excellence, and Innovation Management through Vision 2020 (Proceedings of 29^th IBIMA Conference, Vienna, Austria), ISBN:978-0-9860419-7-6, pp.3000-3003 (SCOPUS).
7. Al-Mahmud, A. (2014). “Binary network of postcolonial stances regarding English language and literature and its implications for Bangladesh”. Proceedings (Abstract Book) of First International Conference on Social Sciences & Humanities, CSSR, Independent University (IUB), 23-25 August 2014, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
8. Al-Mahmud, A. (2013). “Eschatological and metaphysical perspectives in historiography: Rethinking the current global events”, Proceedings of International ILEM Conference 2013, Prime Minister’s office of Türkiye and Istanbul 29-Mayis University, pp.130-150.
9. Al-Mahmud, A. & Kaosar, A. (2013). “Practicable Strategies of Teacher Reflection in TESOL/ELT”. Proceedings (Abstract Book) of International Conference on English Language Learning, UPM and ELS Malaysia.
10. Al-Mahmud, A. & Kaosar, A. (2010). “Teaching Vocabulary to Advanced Learners: Some Pedagogical Considerations, Proceedings of NELTA 15^th International Conference in cooperation with the Government of Nepal British Council, Asia TEFL, IATEFL and Cambridge University Press.
11. Al-Mahmud, A. (2009). Postcolonial language debate: decolonization with or without English and days ahead. Proceedings of First International ESL/EFL Conference, Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, India, p.23-33.

1. Al-Mahmud, A. and Nahiyan, S. (2023). “Teacher Reflection Strategies in ELT: Three Case Studies”. International Conference Humanities, Social and Education Sciences (IHSES) 2023, Denver, CO, USA, April 13-16, 2023.
2. Al-Mahmud, A. (2019). “Formulating Good Practices for a Postcolonial Critical Pedagogy of English Language (PCPEL)”. CSSE Annual Conference, University of British Columbia, 1-5 June 2019, Canada.
3. Al-Mahmud, A. & Al Quaderi, G. G. (2019). “Shia Concept of Imamat as a Basis for Understanding History beyond Positivism”, 5^th Annual Conference on Shi’i Studies, The Islamic College, London, UK, 27-28 April 2019.
4. Manzoor, S. R. & Al-Mahmud, A. (2017). “Testing User-Segmentation Model in Digital Communication Devices Usage Guidelines for Children in Malaysia”, International Conference on Social Sciences and Education (ICSSE), Bandung, Indonesia.
5. Al-Mahmud, A. & Shaila, S. M. (2009). “Use of teacher reflections for successful constructivist language teaching-learning”. MELTA (Malaysia English Language Teachers’ Association) International Conference, jointly with Asia TEFL, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
6. Al-Mahmud, A. (2009). “Language, culture and identity: axiomatic formulations and need for new directions in the education system of postcolonial nation-states”. 8th International Language & Development Conference, June 2009, DFID-UK, British Council Dhaka, and Ministry of Education, Bangladesh.
7. Al-Mahmud, A. (2008). “Ngugi’s rejection and Braj Kachru’s nativization of English: two responses to linguistic imperialism and implications of the debate for Bangladesh”. International Conference on ‘African Literature/Africa in Literature’, Department of English, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

1. ‘How to Get Published’, Workshop by Centre for Sustainable Research, University Malaya and Sage Publishing, Malaysia.
2. ‘Quantitative Data Collection and Data Analysis’, Training by Linton University College, Malaysia (LUC).
3. ‘Outcome Based Education’, Training by LUC.
4. ‘Moodle Web Portal’, Training by LUC.
5. ‘Teaching in Higher Education’, four half-days long training by LUC.
6. ‘Professional Communication Skills’, Training by LUC.
7. ‘Detecting and Avoiding Plagiarism’, Training by LUC.
8. Advanced Computer Skills: Microsoft Office 2010’, Training by LUC.
9. ‘Teaching Methodologies & Pedagogical Skills’, two half-days long workshop by LUC. 

• “Preservation of Local Culture among the Students of English Medium Schools in Bangladesh: Teacher’s Perspective”, MA in English thesis, Anika Tahsin, Fall 2023.
• “Technology-Mediated Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) at Remote Private Universities in Bangladesh: Teachers’ Perceptions”, MA in English thesis, Somya Afrin Mow, Fall 2023.
• “The Influence of Teacher-Student Relationship on Students’ Academic Achievement in Private University English Departments in Bangladesh”, MA in English thesis, Tanvir Ahmad, Fall 2023.
• “The Washback Effects of Testing on the Pedagogical Practices at the Secondary English Classes in Dhaka, Bangladesh”, MA in English thesis, M. M. Asiful Hoque, Fall 2023.
• “Challenges in Developing Lesson Plans As Encountered by the English Teachers of Bengali Medium Primary Schools in Dhaka”, MA in English thesis, Taskin Rahman, Fall 2023.
• “Efficacy of Translanguaging as a Language Learning Strategy: A Case Study of Bangladeshi Private University Students in ELT Classroom”, MA in English thesis, Purna Chakma, Summer 2023.
• “The Role of Technology in Enhancing English Language Learning in Dhaka”, MA in English thesis, Mahmuda Nasrin Shima, Summer 2023.
• “The Importance of Learning Corporate English Writing for the English Department Graduates of Bangladesh – A Contextualized and Need-Based Development of ESP Course Materials”, MA in English thesis, Sajeda Akter Tamanna, Summer 2023.
• “Needs Analysis for Improving the Speaking Skills of IELTS Candidates in Dhaka, Bangladesh”, MA in English thesis, Sumaiya Tasnim, Summer 2023.
• “Assessment of English Listening and Speaking Skills at Secondary Schools of Chittagong”, MA in English thesis, Saima Alam, Summer 2023.
• “English Language Proficiency as the Standard: Examining Identity Transmission at Workplace Settings in Dhaka”, MA in English thesis, Syma Siam, Summer 2023.
• "Bangla-English Code-Switching Variation in Messenger Chats of Different Aged Educators in Dhaka", MA in English thesis, Umme Hani Anika, Spring 2023. 
• "English Language Efficacy of Telugu Slum Residents of Bangladesh", MA in English thesis, Moriam Alam, Spring 2023. 
• "Using Technology to Increase English Competency of University Students in Bangladesh", MA in English thesis, Sabiha Nafis Khan, Spring 2023.
• "Linguistic Landscape of a Suburb in Dhaka City: A Case Study of Mirpur Area", MA in English thesis, Shaoly Binte Habib, Fall 2022.
• "Phonological Variables in Bangladeshi English", MA in English thesis, S.M. Toukir Ahmed, Fall 2022.
• “Influence of authentic materials in ELT on the writing proficiency of high school students in Noakhali”, MA in English thesis, Arpita Rozario, Summer 2022

• Session Chair at multiple international conferences in Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
• Invited as Intensive English Trainer by Henan University of Chinese Medicine, China.
• Attended ‘Marketing of Higher Education SIG Colloquium’, The Academy of Marketing, at Universidad Loyola, Seville, Spain, 2019.
• Attended 43^rd IATEFL Conference in Cardiff, UK, 2009.