Publication: Stories of The Unsung Heroes: Challenges and Efforts of The English Language Teachers at An Indigenous School in Malaysia
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Fakulti Pengajian Bahasa Utama, USIM
Abstract
Introduction- Many studies on indigenous education focus on gauging the indigenous
students’ literacy and understanding the sociocultural barriers in learning; however less
studies have been done on reconnoitering the teachers’ experiences in teaching indigenous
school children, especially in teaching the English language.
Purpose – The current paper will address the theme of holistic education by exploring the
challenges faced by English language teachers at an indigenous national school. It will also
talk about the exertions made by the teachers in their quest of enhancing the teaching and
learning process.
Methodology – This study used the case study approach that was conducted at an
indigenous school in Malaysia. The school is a national school that has 100% indigenous
students. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine primary school
English language teachers. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis, where data were
transcribed verbatim, coded and characterized into substantial themes.
Findings – The findings show that the English language teachers were faced with two main
challenges which were navigating the learning issues of indigenous children and expertise
issues of the teachers. However, despite the challenges, the teachers were constantly
thinking of ways for the betterment of the indigenous students’ holistic achievement such
as trying to understand the students’ cultural norms as well as nurturing the inclination of
students in learning.
Significance – It is hoped that this study could contribute to the professional development
efforts and supportive agendas for English language teachers teaching indigenous school
children.
Description
Prosiding Seminar Kebangsaan Majlis Dekan Pendidikan Universiti Awam Malaysia (MEDC 2020): “Ke Arah Menginsankan Pendidikan di Malaysia / Penyunting Hishomudin Ahmad, Noor Saazai Mat Saad, Rahimah Saimin, Kirembwe Rashid Abdul Hamed, Noorhayati Hashim, Sarifah Nurhanum Syed Sahuri, Zarina Ashikin Zakaria, Nur Shahadah Mohd Surbani
11-12 November 2020 (Seminar Dalam Talian)
Anjuran : Fakulti Pengajian Bahasa Utama, USIM & Majlis Dekan Pendidikan Universiti Awam Malaysia
Keywords
indigenous education ; English language teachers’ experiences