Page 29 - FLIPBOOK CONFERENCE (1)_Neat

DISCERNING LANGUAGE LEARNING PREFERENCES AMONG JAHAI

CHILDREN

WRITTEN BY: PUTERI ROHANI MEGAT ABDUL RAHIM, THURAIYA MOHD, ZAEMAH ABDUL KADIR, MOHD SYAHIR ABDUL
RANI, MOHAMAD SYAFIQ YA SHAK

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The Education policy in Malaysia focuses on providing equal opportunities for all children in Malaysia. This includes the
children of Orang Asli. Orang Asli is a term used to refer to the native people in Malaysia. They are the indigenous peoples of
Peninsular Malaysia, which constitute 31,950,00 total population. The number population highlights the importance of giving
equal opportunity to gain access to education. One way to stimulate learning is by gaining the Orang Asli children’s
preference in learning, particularly language. This is because the pedagogical approach plays a vital role in ensuring success
in the process of teaching and learning. However, the use of pedagogical aspects that reflect indigenous epistemology in the
classroom is often neglected particularly in language learning pedagogy. The site chosen is Royal Belum, which is located in
the upper part of the Belum Temenggor rainforest and can only be reached by boat; it has remained untouched for centuries.
Jahai tribes are located in Royal Belum. The study aims to explore language learning preferences among Jahai children. A
case study approach was employed on Jahai children in Royal Belum. Classroom observation, a set of questionnaires, and
interview sessions were obtained to explore the phenomenon. A set of structured questionnaires was distributed to 132 Jahai
Childrens, while an interview was conducted with three (3) students. The students’ selection was based on the teacher’s
recommendation. The findings showed that the students prefer auditory, kinesthetic, and visual learning compared to the
traditional chalk and talk approach. Additionally, when interviewed they voiced how they prefer learning which allowed them
to move around. It is hoped the findings of the study will be able to assist teachers in how to approach the teaching and
learning process so that the learning process can be more engaging for Jahai children.