STEM Education and Mathematics Performance Among Orang Asli Primary School Students in Johor, Malaysia: Challenges and Recommendations

This research paper addresses the complexity of improving STEM education and mathematics achievement of indigenous students, better known as Orang Asli, in primary schools in Johor, Malaysia. The study highlights the educational disparities of the Orang Asli community and emphasizes the need for culturally tailored and linguistically supportive interventions. The study uses a mixed-methods approach to analyze academic achievement data. Significant challenges that hinder Orang Asli students' abilities in Mathematics and STEM subjects are identified. The discussions show that strategies such as incorporating ethnomathematics - linking cultural knowledge to mathematical concepts, and code-switching in the classroom can effectively bridge the gap between students' cultural backgrounds and the academic curriculum. These recommendations are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. The article concludes with actionable policy suggestions that advocate for the integration of culturally sensitive teaching methods to improve the academic performance of Orang Asli students. The importance of community engagement and longitudinal studies in evaluating the effectiveness of such interventions is emphasized. The findings presented are intended to effect change in educational practices and create an inclusive learning environment for Orang Asli children and by extension, other indigenous populations worldwide - contributing to the overarching goal of educational equity. This study is in line with the aspirations of the Malaysian Education Plan and contributes to two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG4 (Quality Education) and SDG10 (Reduce Inequalities).

I. Introduction

STEM education is important to equip students with the skills they need for a successful career. Critical thinking, problem-solving and scientific literacy are crucial skills that can be developed through STEM education and will prove invaluable in the future [1]. STEM education is an educational approach that aims to enhance students' cognitive abilities and develop their skills to make them competitive and prepared for their preferred fields [2]. Malaysia strives to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to meet the challenges of the 21st century through STEM education. Teaching students these foundational skills makes them better prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world [3]. Mathematics, a fundamental component of STEM education, provides the essential building blocks for understanding other disciplines within STEM education [4]. Developing analytical and problem-solving skills through mastery of mathematical concepts is critical for success in science, technology, and engineering [5]. These students can improve their cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and overall academic performance by gaining a solid foundation in mathematics [6]. Furthermore, a focus on mathematics in STEM education can help these students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making their learning more relevant and meaningful to their daily lives [2]. In the context of the Orang Asli, an indigenous community in Malaysia, there are significant challenges and opportunities in STEM education and mathematics performance. As these Orang Asli students often face unique socioeconomic and cultural barriers, it is important to understand how these factors influence their learning experiences and academic achievement in mathematics [7]. It is critical to understand the specific challenges of implementing STEM education, especially among indigenous communities such as the Orang Asli [8]. Despite efforts to promote STEM education, significant barriers still prevent effective learning success for these students [9]. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the specific challenges that Orang Asli students face in learning mathematics and provide tailored recommendations to overcome these issues.