Model Of Hope: Leading Learning Among The Indigenous Orang Asli Students

Orang Asli is the name attributed to the indigenous population originating from the hinterland of Peninsular Malaysia. Previous researchers have indicated substantial learning disengagement among the Orang Asli students. Prevalent dropouts and absenteeism were attributed to issues related to school, teachers, learners, parents, and communities. Perspectives that have been forwarded are mainly those of school heads, teachers, parents, and head of the communities; few are those that represent learners. In contrast, this paper focuses on how some others among these students have been able to complete the schooling process and beyond, successfully, despite the oft cited challenges and barriers. This paper presents a research in-progress that investigates the situation from a ‘hope’ perspective. The research is conducted qualitatively following the Grounded Theory method. Sampling was purposeful, within the context of theoretical sampling following the Grounded Theory approach. To-date, data have been gathered through unstructured interviews with fourteen (14) participants who have reached tertiary level education. This paper however, present the initial data gathered from fieldwork and interviews with the first participant, which sets the scene for the subsequent research process. The final findings are expected to provide an in-depth knowledge of the leading learning process among the successful Orang Asli students; providing baseline and benchmarks for students, parents, teachers, schools, community, and policy makers to consider for the betterment indigenous education. Finally, the study will also contribute to the body of literature that supports hope and achievement despite the deficit, among minority, indigenous community.