FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE INDIGENOUS STUDENTS’ SUCCESS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS PERSPECTIVE OF THE INDIGENOUS TEACHERS

High dropouts among Orang Asli students have become an issue as it was reported nearly 34% of those who had completed their primary schooling did not pursue their studies at the secondary level. This might be because they lack interests in academic subjects at schools. The Orang Asli was also identified as one of the most vulnerable groups in Malaysia, with a disproportionately high incidence of poverty and hardcore poverty. In 2006, 33.5% and 15.4% of the Orang Asli were identified as poor and hardcore poor, respectively. However, teachers with an affirming perspective believe that students from indigenous groups are actually a capable learners, even when those children enrol schools with their own ways of thinking, and behaving that differentiate from the dominant culture’s norms. A substantial literature indicates teachers’ beliefs and attitudes strongly influence students’ perception and behaviors in the classroom. This qualitative case study identified two Orang Asli teachers’ perspectives regarding the factors that potentially enhance the success of Orang Asli students in secondary schools. Data were collected using three instruments: individual semi-structured interview’s protocol, document analysis and classroom observations’ checklist. The research findings show that the factors that influence the Orang Asli students’ success in secondary schools include: (a) their schooling experiences and commitment to the indigenous culture, (b) their efforts to succeed despite the Orang Asli students’ underachievement, discrimination and marginalization within school and society, (c) their beliefs about the importance of indigenous language to academic success, (d) their expectations of the Orang Asli students and (e) their relationship with Orang Asli students and families. The results stress on importance of enhancing the strength and values of cultural diversity, developing a sense for human rights and respecting for cultural diversity, and challenging discrimination in society.