Publication: Narratives of the Unsung Heroes: Trials and Endeavors of the English Language Teachers at an Indigenous School in Malaysia
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Date
2021-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
USIM Press
Abstract
Many studies on indigenous education focus on measuring the indigenous students’ literacy and understanding the sociocultural blockades in learning; however, less studies have been done on reconnoitering the teachers’ experiences in teaching indigenous school children, especially in teaching the English language. The main objective of the study is to explore the challenges faced by English language teachers at an indigenous national school in teaching the English language. In addition, it will also explore the exertions made by the teachers in their quest of boosting the teaching and learning process. This study applied a case study approach to really understand the experiences of the teachers in teaching the indigenous children. The study was conducted at an indigenous national school that teaches 100% indigenous students. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine primary school English language teachers. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis, where data were transcribed verbatim, coded and characterized into substantial themes. 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 predisposition of students in learning. 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
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2021): Jurnal Sains Insani
Keywords
indigenous education, English language teachers’ experiences
Citation
Puteh Behak, F., Mat Saad, N. S. . ., Darmi, R. ., & Selamat , S. . (2021). Narratives of the Unsung Heroes: Trials and Endeavors of the English Language Teachers at an Indigenous School in Malaysia: Kisah Wira Tidak Didendang: Cabaran dan Usaha Guru -Guru Bahasa Inggeris di Sebuah Sekolah Kebangsaan Orang Asli di Malaysia . Sains Insani, 6(1), 82-90. https://doi.org/10.33102/sainsinsani.vol6no1.250