Perceptual Learning Style Preferences among Level 2 Orang Asli Students

Abstract

Learning styles play a significant role in language teaching and learning process. It influences the way students learn and how they approach learning situations, especially in the second language learning. Different students prefer diverse learning styles to learn a language. Therefore, understanding students' Perceptual Learning Style preferences (PLSPs) is important for every teacher to improve the effectiveness in teaching and learning process. This study seeks to identify the students' PLSPs that influence the way students learn and how they approach learning situations. To reach these purposes, a study was conducted on 70, level 2 Orang Asli students who also known as Indigenous students in one of the Kluang, Johor rural schools. Four study questions were incorporated in investigating the perceptual preferred learning styles of Level 2 Orang Asli students in terms of auditory, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic learning methods. The Learning Style Index (LSI) was used as the research instrument, and Dunn and Dunn's Perceptual Learning Style categorization was used. The subjects were given a survey comprises of 32 questions based on the four Research Questions. A scale of Always, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely, and Never were used to determine the general extent of learning style practise. This aids in establishing the validity and reliability of the instrument. Visual and Auditory learning styles are more popular than Tactile and Kinesthetic learning styles, according to the study, with visual being the most popular, followed by Auditory, Tactile, and Kinesthetic learning styles, with Visual Learning Style having a high frequency. It is intended that the findings of this study would be a valuable addition to the current literature, influencing the educational system positively and supporting academicians in developing various and relevant lessons for students. The learning styles and study attitudes of students have a direct impact on their learning methods and orientations. Based on the findings, several recommendations are given to increase the effectiveness of teaching and student learning.