Indigenous Students and the Learning of English

Abstract

Problem statement: The problem of students' proficiency in English in the Malaysian primary schools is still debatable. Approach: Unless the problem of students' proficiency is solved at the primary school level, it will fossilize and contribute toward students' anxiety in the language at the secondary and tertiary levels. Results: This research study looked into English needs of the indigenous or 'Orang Asli' students in primary schools in the district of Rompin-Endau, Pahang. These indigenous students still lag in education and with the implementation of teaching of science and mathematics in English in primary schools, they will be burdened with language difficulties. The researchers identify that the students preferred learning skill is listening to the teachers' explanation. And the task-based activity that can improve their proficiency is listening to songs and singing in English. Conclusion/Recommendations: Findings from this research could provide useful information for the curriculum developers at the Ministry of Education of Malaysia whether to revamp the present English curriculum or formulate a new curriculum to meet the English needs of the 'Orang Asli' students.