Indigenous (Orang Asli) Primary School Mathematics Performance in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

The education performances among the indigenous group in Malaysia are deprived. Although the Government has given serious attention and continuous efforts to improve it, its performance is far behind other groups, especially in mathematics subjects. Hence, this study would like to identify the year six students from indigenous primary school's mathematics performance. Additionally, we investigated if their perception, interest, and knowledge will influence the performance in mathematics. Eighty-six of the year six primary students from five indigenous schools in Selangor, Malaysia, participated in this study. Statistical techniques such as cross-tabulation, t-test, ANOVA, and Spearman rho correlation uses in detailed analysis. Overall, the result identified that the level of performance is low, even though they have a positive perception of learning mathematics. The result also indicated that those who have a high level of interest performed better. Finally, the study suggested that an intervention initiative at the elementary level is crucial, especially on the delivery system, involving teachers and others responsible for these students' education and welfare. Moreover, the Government should be given serious consideration in any national transformation program to ensure that indigenous peoples can stand alike with other groups in Malaysia