malaysian indigenous minority children on the education chessboard
TRANSCRIPT
Malaysian Indigenous Minority Children on the Education Chessboard
Joemin Maratin and Karla J. Smith
4th International Language and Education Conference Bangkok, 6-8 November, 2013
- There are about 70 Ethnic groups in Sabah.
More then 50 languages with more then 90 different dialects. 2
EDUCATION for ALL (EFA) Malaysia: Early childhood education emphasis National Education Act 1996 preschool education
part of school system National Preschool Curriculum 2003
POLICY affecting the indigenous minorities Preschool Education: Bahasa Malaysia medium of instruction Primary school by age 7 years; Bahasa Malaysia medium of instruction.
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“Every child is precious and children are assets to our society…”
Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak April 2009 Malaysian International ECEC Conference
Indigenous Minority Children: Maximize time in the heritage language/mother tongue: 3-4 years: 100% heritage language 5 years: 90% heritage language 6 years: 80% heritage language
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Playsch 1 (3 years) Playsch 2 (4 years ) Preschool (5 years) Preschool (6 years) Primary 1 -5 ??
Language HL* HL=MT
Language Oral HL
Language in HL; beginning reading and writing in HL
Language in HL; reading and writing
Reading and writing HL
Maths HL HL HL HL
Science, Health HL HL HL HL
Art, music, crafts HL HL HL HL HL (Traditional
arts; culture)
Language L2 Oral Malay Beginning reading and writing in L2
Language L3 Oral English
Approx. % use of Language
100% 100% L1 90% L2 10%
L1 80% L2 10% L3 10%
Class 1-2 hours daily
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Aid families in the intergenerational transmission of their own language and culture
Enable the children to know their own heritage and roots as well as to have a sense of identity; Preparation for the changing world which is becoming more and more global
Build a strong foundation in their own language
(Smith, Karla J. (2011) Heritage Language Playschools for Indigenous
Minorities)
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Provide a good developmental bridge to second and third languages
Develop children holistically Help the parents and other family members nurture
new attitudes, knowledge and skills. Create community involvement in owning the
program. Prepare the children for primary school.
(Smith, Karla J. (2011) Heritage Language Playschools for Indigenous Minorities)
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Immersion in the heritage, indigenous minority language and culture
Fluency in the heritage language – the ability to talk about self and the world
Readiness skills developed while playing; PLAY is their “work” at this age
Meaning-based, not just rote or memorization
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Iranun Playschools
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Kimaragang Playschools
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Rungus Playschools
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Bajau Playschool
Circle Time
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Theme based (weekly) Free-play with toys, puzzles etc. Circle time (directed teaching time: Language, Math,
Health & Science) Traditional and creative activities including: Stories, songs, dance, musical instruments Cultural activities, games Arts, crafts Indoor and Outdoor play time
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Traditional musical instrument: kulingtangan
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Winnowing Tray 15
•Persatuan Bahasa dan Kebudayaan Iranun (BKI) – 3 playschools •Persatuan Bahasa dan Budaya Sama Bajau (BSBB) – 1 playschool + 1 primary afterschool class •Persatuan Tobilung Bersatu Sabah (TOBISA) – 4 playschools •Pertubuhan Kimaragang Malaysia (PKM) – 2 Playschools •Persatuan Kebudayaan Rungus Sabah (RCA) – 2 playschools •Persatuan Suang Lotud Sabah (LOTUD)
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Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between:
SIL Malaysia
6 Association Leaders
On 20 April, 2012 Rampayan Laut
Kota Belud
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HL Playschools: 2 years for ages 3-4 years - 12 Schools = 5 Language groups 2013
Lack of money is one main reason why no more to date - Malaysia’s Education Policy: BM as the main medium of
communication in class even in early childhood education
- The lack of understanding of MLE the importance of teaching children in their HL.
PLANS: Hoped for… (not yet achieved) Preschool 1 (5 years old) Preschool 2 (6 years old) Primary school 18
6 July, 2013
PENDIDIKAN BAHASA WARISAN SABAH
PEBAWAS: Representatives from indigenous minority groups in Sabah
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In Process: registration of PEBAWAS Awareness raising and Promotion Contacts with other language groups Fund-raising: used for playschool expenses - distributed evenly across all associations which come under PEBAWAS.
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1. More awareness among the people 2. Reach out to other minorities groups 3. More community involvement 4. More training (local people) 5. Government recognition/support 6. More politicians involvement/support 7. Sustainability
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Given the policy constraints, how can our indigenous minority groups continue and expand without regular financial support?
How do we “compete” with beautiful buildings,
computers, supplies, free uniform, and free food daily provided for those who attend the government preschools?
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THANK YOU 24