INVESTIGATING THE NEEDS OF DEVELOPING A DIGITAL VOCABULARY LEARNING MATERIAL FOR MALAYSIAN INDIGENOUS LEARNERS IN ESL CLASSROOM

Abstract

Background and Purpose: An intervention program becomes a necessity when a learning problem arises. To ensure the program effectiveness, pedagogical and assessment decisions rely heavily on the actual needs of learners. Hence, this study aimed to conduct a needs analysis survey to investigate the indigenous learners’ needs in terms of their attitudes towards ESL learning, favorable language skills, topics of interest and preferable modes of learning. Unlike other groups of Malaysian learners, the indigenous experience extreme ESL learning disadvantage due to their struggle to assimilate themselves in a multi-ethnic school environment.   Methodology: This study employed design-based research (DBR) methodology with the utilization of mixed-method tools in the forms of document analysis and close-ended questionnaire. These data variations aim for the breadth and depth of understanding and corroboration. Past public examination results were used to highlight the indigenous learning problems in ESL learning followed by a survey questionnaire on forty-eight (48) 13-year-old indigenous learners.   Findings: The findings reveal that the indigenous possessed extremely poor vocabulary mastery and experienced high language anxiety. Nevertheless, they surprisingly exhibited high awareness towards the potential usage of English language, and this level of awareness posits their needs and readiness to explore other means of learning which are not currently offered to them such as digital game-based learning.   Contributions: The study informs ESL practitioners on the importance of considering the needs of the targeted learners and teachers involved so that contextualized, practical, and effective instruction could be designed, developed, and successfully delivered.   Keywords: Design-based research, indigenous learners, instructional design, mixed-method tools, needs analysis.   Cite as: Wan Mahzan, M. S., Alias, N. A., & Ismail, I. S. (2020). Investigating the needs of developing a digital vocabulary learning material for Malaysian indigenous learners in ESL classroom. Journal of Nusantara Studies 2020, 5(2), 282-302. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol5iss2pp282-302