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Learning to read and write: A preliminary report on the cultural practices of literacy of Malay families
Citation
Mukhlis Abu Bakar. (2004). Learning to read and write: A preliminary report on the cultural practices of literacy of Malay families (Report No. CRP 26/03 MAB). National Institute of Education (Singapore), Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice. https://hdl.handle.net/10497/169
Subjects
Abstract
This report presents an early description of Malay families and their literacy beliefs and practices. It is based on the pilot phase of an ongoing study that examines the complex literacy lives of 5-year old kindergarten children within the milieu of their home environment. Grounded on sociocultural theory, the study brings into focus the literacies co-constructed by Malay adults and their children. In the pilot phase, three target children from different socio-economic background were selected. Several visits were made to their homes each lasting between 2 to 5 hours over an 8-month period. Interviews with adult members of the families and observations of the children interacting with their siblings and adults in literacy-related events suggest that these children have access to different opportunities for literacy learning as well as contrasting cultural resources and repertoires of literacy practice. These differences will position them differently with respect to the curriculum to which they have to adapt once they start formal schooling. Against the backdrop of Malay educational underachievement vis-à-vis the other ethnic groups, the findings present a case for schools to learn more about the out-of-school literacy practices of Malay children and to see them and their families in a way that can have a positive impact on their educational attainment.
Date Issued
December 2004
Call Number
LB1028.25.S55 C77 2004/26
Description
Note: Restricted to NIE staff
Project
CRP 26/03 MAB