Funds of Knowledge of the Semai Orang Asli Children in Science Learning: A Needs Analysis

Abstract

Malaysia always strives to provide high-performance education for its citizens by emphasising on the principle of equality that prioritises quality education for every child. However, the performance of Orang Asli (indigenous) children in science education is still lagging far behind as a result of their difficulty in understanding scientific concepts of science which they feel are foreign to their culture. Thus, a needs analysis study was conducted to identify the science topics that are the most difficult for primary school year five Semai Orang Asli children to understand and the elements of funds of knowledge (FOK) that can be applied in science teaching for these difficult topics. This needs analysis was conducted using survey research design with interview method. The study sample comprised three students and four teachers in an Orang Asli school in the district of Slim River, Perak. The needs analysis found that Electricity is the most difficult topic to be taught to and understood by the Orang Asli children. In addition, the findings also showed that the elements of FOK of the Orang Asli such as family values, hobbies, parents’ occupation, language, religion, tradition and school’s co-curricular activities can be applied in science teaching to bring the science concepts that are considered difficult into their lives. In conclusion, the FOK elements identified from the needs analysis are expected to be able to help educators and researchers design science teaching that is more equitable in upholding the principles of equity in education in Malaysia.