Indigenous pedagogy approach in teaching mathematics among Orang Asli primary school students

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in implementing Indigenous Pedagogy methods in the education of indigenous students worldwide. This approach considers the students’ unique cultural and linguistic backgrounds and aims to incorporate their traditional knowledge and practices into the curriculum. By doing so, students can understand the relevance of their studies, including the subjects of mathematics in their daily lives and gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Furthermore, involving the community and utilizing culturally relevant materials and activities has increased student engagement and motivation in learning mathematics. This concept paper discusses implementing Indigenous Pedagogy methods in teaching mathematics that can enhance academic outcomes and promote cultural preservation among Orang Asli students. In addition, this concept paper also discusses the difficulties of Orang Asli students in learning mathematics at the primary school level and how Indigenous pedagogy, which is widely practised in many countries, can help tackle the issue. The concept paper delves into the roles of various parties in enhancing the usage of Indigenous pedagogy in Mathematics teaching and learning for Orang Asli students. These parties comprise the Ministry of Education, the Department of Orang Asli Development, NGOs, teachers, parents, and the Orang Asli communities. By collaborating and pooling their resources, the cultural and environmental barriers faced by Orang Asli students in Malaysia can be effectively addressed, eventually enhancing their academic performance.