Singing, Dancing, and Graphing: An Artistic Expression Approach in Teaching Graph Functions to Indigenous Students

Abstract

Educational equity in Malaysia is especially urgent for marginalized communities like the Indigenous people, particularly in Kuala Lipis, Pahang. Despite efforts by the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Indigenous People Development Department (JAKOA), and the Malaysian Teachers' Institute (IPG), dropout rates among Indigenous students remain a concern due to cultural and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to integrate music into learning Graph Functions by modifying pop song lyrics. The interdisciplinary approach examined how music-based mathematics lessons impact Indigenous secondary students' ability to model, strategise, and apply Graph Functions. Aida Jebat’s song Pencuri Hati was adapted for this study, based on the Artistic Development Theory. Four pre-service teachers enrolled in a Science Education degree in Mathematics modified the lyrics and implemented the lessons over three months. The study had two phases: a pre-test in October 2023 and a post-test in January 2024. Respondents were selected through cluster random sampling from secondary students in Kuala Lipis. Quantitative design using descriptive analysis showed that integrating music positively affected students' learning. Singing modified lyrics with body gestures helped them remember graph function concepts, creating an engaging and enjoyable learning experience. The results suggest that music-enhanced math lessons improved students’ confidence and attitudes toward mathematics. Future research should explore the impact of this approach on urban, rural, and interior communities.