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Research Interests

STEM Education | Experiential Learning | Teachers professional Development | Equity in Education | Educational Technology | Mathematic Education | Curriculum Development and Implementation | Social Justice | Formative Assessment

Thesis

September 2023 – April 2024
Arpa, A. T. (2024). Exploring the challenges of implementing experiential learning in the secondary level science curriculum of Bangladesh: Teacher’s perspective [Unpublished master’s thesis].

Keyword: Experiential Learning, Curriculum Implementation, Science Education, Teachers Perspective , Multiple Case study

Conference Paper

2025
Arpa, A. T., Tithi, U. T., & Bulbul, M. B. A. (2025, March 23–26). Exploring the challenges of implementing experiential learning in the secondary-level science curriculum: Teachers' perspectives [Standalone paper presentation]. NARST Annual International Conference, National Harbor, MD, United States.
2025
Bulbul, M. B. A., Rahman, S. M. H., Arpa, A. T., Khan, M. H. K., Raaz, S. N. C., & Anik, M. H. (2025, March 23–26). Physics teaching using technology at the secondary level: A TPACK perspective of teachers' views and practices [Standalone paper presentation]. NARST Annual International Conference, National Harbor, MD, United States.
2023
Arpa, A. T. (2022, December 27–29). Existing situation of parents' role in language skills development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Bangladesh [Paper presentation]. 3rd International Anatolian Congress on Scientific Research, Kayseri, Türkiye. *(ISBN 978-625-8254-10-5, p. 719)

Collaboration

Research Projects

Outcome Based Curriculum (OBE) in Tertiary Level Education ​
University of Dhaka

Research Associate

Aug 25 - Present

In this research, I delve into the potential of implementing an outcome-based education (OBE) curriculum at the tertiary level. Through a mixed-method approach, I explore the feasibility, opportunities, and readiness of public universities to adopt this transformative framework, aiming to reshape higher education for greater alignment with real-world outcomes.

CARE

Research Associate and Study Coordinator

September, 25 - Present

The CPPC project, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is a multi-agency humanitarian initiative aimed at providing holistic protection-centered responses for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar. The project focuses on addressing urgent needs in Basic Needs, Protection, and Resilience through interventions in WASH, Education, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Livelihoods, and Social Cohesion. My role involves leading field teams, conducting literature reviews, developing research instruments, and ensuring ethical data collection. I am specifically focused on evaluating the education sector of the project, which includes assessing the impact of educational interventions in improving access to services, safety, and resilience for both Rohingya refugees and host communities. Through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, I am helping measure the effectiveness of the project’s education, protection, and inclusion efforts, with an emphasis on gender equality and disability inclusion in education.

Caritas Bangladesh​

Research Associate and Study Coordinator

Aug 25 - Present

As the study coordinator for the final evaluation of EA026/2024, I contributed to assessing the impact of emergency and recovery assistance provided to communities affected by the 2024 floods in North-East and South-East Bangladesh. The objective of the evaluation was to reduce stress and vulnerabilities by restoring safety, dignity, and resilience among the most affected populations.This evaluation, funded by multiple foreign and local donors, utilized a mixed-methods approach, applying the OECD-DAC criteria. We triangulated secondary data from document reviews with primary data collected through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and a comprehensive beneficiary survey. The study covered 58 Unions and 3 Municipalities across 12 districts, reaching 80,370 individuals, including 39,381 women.

University of Dhaka

Research Associate

Mar 25 - Present

This study explores secondary students’ interest in mathematics using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to uncover the underlying factors influencing students’ attitudes toward the subject. The study is grounded in both constructivist and connectivist learning theories, which emphasize the active construction of knowledge and the importance of social and environmental interactions in the learning process. Through this research, I investigate the complex interplay of internal and external factors including individual motivation, cultural influences, teaching methods, and social perceptions that shape students’ engagement and interest in mathematics.

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS)​

Study Coordinator & Research Assistant

Jan’25–Apr’25

The evaluation aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Feedback and Complaints Response Mechanism (FCRM) of Bangladesh Red Cross and Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and measure its impact on community participation, accountability, project success, and organizational credibility. A structured evaluation model was used, focusing on inclusivity, community engagement, and the efficiency of feedback mechanisms to assess their impact on project outcomes and organizational accountability. The consultant led a team of experts in conducting this evaluation. A mixed-method research methodology was used in which primary data was collected using KIIs, FGDs and Questionnaire Survey.

UNHCR

Research Assistant & Study Coordinator

Jan’25–June’25

The Safe Access to Fuel and Energy Plus (SAFE+) programme, launched in 2018 with the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), international donors, and three UN agencies (FAO, IOM, WFP), aimed to address sustainable cooking fuel needs for Rohingya refugees and host communities. The primary objective of the assignment is to conduct an intermediary evaluation of the Safe Access to Fuel and Energy Plus (SAFE+2) Programme in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, to assess its performance against the desired outcomes as outlined in the foundational program document and Results Framework. The consultant led a team of national and international experts assess the programme’s performance, progress, and impact in improving access to cleaner cooking energy, enhancing natural resource management, and fostering climate resilience for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

Traidcraft Exchange

Research Assistant

Nov’'24–Feb’25

The purpose of this research is to find out the discriminatory laws & policies that may create barriers in delivering services towards the grassroot community people, gender and protection gaps for vulnerable farmers and agro workers at different levels. The consultant led a team of expert in developing a qualitative approach methodology grounded in theories like Social Exclusion, Gender and Development, and Sustainable Livelihoods. Primary data was collected using KIIs from stakeholders, including marginalized farmers, community people and duty bearers from different locations, including Mymensingh, Sherpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Satkhira, Jashore, Rajshahi and Chapa Nawabganj districts of Bangladesh.

 

Save the Children

Research Assistant

Nov’24–Jan’25

As a research assistant for the Right2Grow (R2G) project, I am actively involved in collaborating with consortium partners and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Bangladesh to gather evidence and document best practices in child nutrition and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). My role involves conducting field-level research, engaging in meetings with local stakeholders, and collecting data on successful strategies, challenges faced, and lessons learned from the project’s interventions.I help prepare well-structured documents that present evidence-based best practices, emphasizing the impact of R2G interventions on child nutrition and WASH outcomes. Additionally, I assist in developing advocacy materials by incorporating identified best practices to support the project’s objectives. My work also involves analyzing data to develop plans that ensure the long-term sustainability of the project’s initiatives, contributing to ongoing improvements in community health and development.

Nutrition International

Research Assistant

Aug’24–Jan’25

This TA aims to succinctly document and synthesize impediments/bottlenecks, implementation experiences, challenges, and opportunities related to the Multisectoral Minimum Nutrition Package at sub-national levels, particularly in Cox’s Bazar. Specific objectives include identifying implementation challenges for gender-responsive MMNP, assessing the functionality of innovative approaches, and capturing key learnings with recommendations for improving gender-responsive MMNP implementation. The consultant is responsible for supporting the review of the thematic reports, conducting key informant interviews, participating in stakeholder consultation workshops, developing the draft report, and finalise the strategies based on policy dialogue with Clients

University of Dhaka ; BYLC

Research Associate

Jul’24–Oct’24

The Youth Leadership Training Midline Study (BBLT), a collaboration between the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) and the University of Dhaka, evaluates the effectiveness of youth leadership programs designed to foster leadership skills, civic engagement, and social responsibility among young people. As a research associate in this study, I contributed to gathering and analyzing data from the midline assessment, which aimed to measure the progress and impact of the program on its participants.My responsibilities included conducting surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions to assess the outcomes of the leadership training. By analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, I helped identify key trends in how participants’ leadership skills, community involvement, and social attitudes evolved throughout the program. I also contributed to synthesizing findings and preparing detailed reports to guide future improvements in the training curriculum.

East West University ; University of Dhaka

Research Associate

May’24–Jul’24

As a research associate in the study “Promoting Inclusive Language Teaching for Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties”, conducted by East West University and the University of Dhaka, I contributed to exploring inclusive teaching strategies for students with specific learning disabilities (SLD), such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. The study aimed to identify effective methods for supporting these students in language education, ensuring that their learning difficulties are addressed with appropriate accommodations. The research focused on understanding how these conditions affecting reading, writing, and mathematical skills can impede students’ ability to learn language effectively. I helped gather and analyze data from teachers and students through surveys, interviews, and classroom observations. We examined the challenges faced by students with language processing disorders and attention deficit disorders (ADD), and evaluated how these barriers could be mitigated through tailored, inclusive teaching practices.This research emphasizes the need for a more inclusive educational environment where students with learning disabilities can thrive.

Poster Paper Presentation

Sifat, A. I., & Arpa, A. T. (2025). Community-driven reforestation for environmental justice and ecosystem resilience in Cox’s Bazar [Poster presentation]. *Runner-up*, International Conference on Environment and Climate Action (ICECA 2025), Chattogram, Bangladesh

Gallery

All photographs were taken with the informed consent of the children and their guardians, ensuring that no harm was caused and ethical research standards were strictly upheld.