Paganism, animism or Polytheism? an investigation into the labeling and categorisation of traditional belief system of the Kadazandusun

The article surveys the difficulties associated with the attempts to describe the Kadazandusun belief system, which includes attempts to label it as pagan, animist or polytheist. The characteristics of the traditional Kadazandusun belief system are compared against these three concepts and the authors observe that both animistic and polytheistic elements are present. The authors highlight the fact that the Kadazandusun once believed in a hierarchy of deities. They show the similarities between Kadazandusun polytheism and the polytheistic forms of belief found in well-known civilisations such as Greece and China. Besides, the authors argue that the Kadazandusun are not pagan but they did posses their own belief system before the majority of them embraced the Christian and the Muslim faiths. By approaching the subject in this manner, it is hoped that a more accurate understanding of the traditional belief system of the Kadazandusun people can subsequently be obtained. More importantly, this article establishes beyond doubt that the traditional Kadazandusun do in fact posses system of belief, one that is a folk religion in its own right

Engaging the Bajau laut: Establishing affinity with the community through the use of their language

The Bajau Laut, also known as ‘Sea Gypsies,’ are one of the ethnic groups that are difficult to research because of their remote locations and habitations. The researcher provides a list of these habitations and the varying degrees of access afforded to them. The Bajau language is one of the key methods for engaging them. This paper discusses how researchers can utilise the Bajau language to establish initial familiarity with Bajau individuals and communities. The researcher describes the Bajau Language in brief and lists down words, phrases, and the functions that they play in Bajau Laut society. The author goes on to describe how the language that is spoken by one or two other coastal ethnic groups in Sabah is generally spoken and/or understood by the Bajau Laut The researcher considers several specific sets of words in the Bajau language, in particular those dealing with kinship, security, food, health, family origins and others

Descent groups among cognatic societies: the Dusun tribes of Inland Sabah/North Borneo

In the following discussion, the authors present a comparison of various societies in Borneo which includes for the first time a society that features descent groups. The claim that the Dusun society of the Upper Labuk River in inland North Borneo or Sabah possesses descent groups is one that has yet to be acknowledged in the wider Borneo literature. Descent groups are typically representative of some form of lineally ordered kinship system. Claims that unilineal or ambilineal kinship systems might exist in Borneo have been greeted with little interest, with caution or sometimes with outright rejection. By comparing the social groups produced by the Dusun society of the Upper Labuk River against the social groups produced by the more typical cognatic societies of Borneo, we are putting forward the claim that kinship systems are, at least in this region, a matter of great importance to the kind of social groups that are subsequently produced. The authors are not, however, claiming that lineally ordered kinship systems are in and of themselves able to produce structurally stable groups. Although the following discussion does necessarily refer to one model of tribal organisation derived from a lineally ordered society in Africa, it goes on to show that the lineally ordered Dusun tribes of Borneo were uniquely a product of local arrangements established for the purpose of accommodating a native customary law prohibiting marriages between close cousins

Psychosocial barriers to promoting self-directed and autonomous learning: The perception of students and lecturers in Malaysia

It can be difficult to align with the present theoretical change in education from teacher-centered to student-centered learning especially in high-power distance cultures like Malaysia that are communal. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of students and lecturers regarding the psychosocial barriers to promoting self-directed and autonomous learning in the Malaysian context. The qualitative research method was chosen based on the research questions. Qualitative research allows the researcher to understand people's beliefs, attitudes, perceptions and behaviors. This study used purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen students and four lecturers at a Malaysian public university. The study found two types of challenges: personal (within the student) and environmental (surrounding the student). Personal obstacles include ideas about the value of education such as an emphasis on grades and diplomas as well as attitudes towards life, such as a propensity for hedonism and a need for spoon-feeding. Environmental barriers include a lack of encouragement for critical thinking, the development of student dependency, issues with university regulations, family and lecturers' attitudes and teaching methods. These challenges were explained using Hofstede's, self-determination and ARCS theories. The study highlights how important it is for teachers to modify their pedagogical approaches and attitudes in order to encourage student-centered learning as well as how important it is for students to get more assistance and support

Cultivating Self-Directed Learning in Malaysian Higher Education: A Qualitative Inquiry

Higher education institutions are increasingly moving away from traditional, lecture-centric teaching methods towards more student-driven approaches. This study delves into the promotion and application of self-directed learning in the Malaysian context. Through a qualitative research approach, we interviewed four lecturers and thirteen students from a specific Malaysian public university. The grounded theory was employed to analyze the data. Our findings indicate that fostering self-directed learning necessitates cultivating specific attitudes and behaviours in both students and the broader higher-education establishment. Students should be encouraged to find purpose in their lives, transition from a fear-based mindset to a critically assertive one, and embrace a sense of academic freedom. Conversely, lecturers need to refine their teaching methods by offering clearer explanations, adjusting their attitudes, and enhancing assessment techniques. Additionally, the system should grant lecturers greater flexibility in syllabus design and additional time for pedagogical development. A collaborative effort among lecturers, students, and policymakers is essential to embed self-directed learning in Malaysian universitie

Understanding Student Perception Regarding the Use of ChatGPT in Their Argumentative Writing: A Qualitative Inquiry

This study is a qualitative study to understand perception regarding the use of ChatGPT in their argumentative writing. Argumentative writing equips students with the opportunity to emulate scientists, allowing them to collect data, analyse, and justify their findings while addressing research questions. This method has been proven to enhance both their learning and critical thinking abilities. However, with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, which are becoming increasingly popular among university students, concerns have emerged about their potential impact on students' capacity to craft argumentative papers. This study delves into these concerns, focusing on students' perceptions of ChatGPT's role in their argumentative writing endeavours. Employing qualitative research methods, seventeen students were selected as respondents using purposive sampling. The respondents were tasked with reflecting on this issue. The results from the analysis of documents indicated that although students acknowledge the extensive capabilities of ChatGPT, including its ability to provide information and guidance and decrease both research expenses and time consumption, they also voice apprehensions. These include doubts about ChatGPT's accuracy, potential over-reliance which could diminish their learning and critical thinking, and the looming risk of plagiarism. The study suggests that while embracing these tools can help produce meaningful argumentative writing more efficiently, caution must be taken to avoid unchecked use of ChatGPT in writing

Understanding Student perception regarding the use of chatGPT in their argumentative writing: A qualitative inquiry

This study is a qualitative study to understand perception regarding the use of ChatGPT in their argumentative writing. Argumentative writing equips students with the opportunity to emulate scientists, allowing them to collect data, analyse, and justify their findings while addressing research questions. This method has been proven to enhance both their learning and critical thinking abilities. However, with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, which are becoming increasingly popular among university students, concerns have emerged about their potential impact on students' capacity to craft argumentative papers. This study delves into these concerns, focusing on students' perceptions of ChatGPT's role in their argumentative writing endeavours. Employing qualitative research methods, seventeen students were selected as respondents using purposive sampling. The respondents were tasked with reflecting on this issue. The results from the analysis of documents indicated that although students acknowledge the extensive capabilities of ChatGPT, including its ability to provide information and guidance and decrease both research expenses and time consumption, they also voice apprehensions. These include doubts about ChatGPT's accuracy, potential over-reliance which could diminish their learning and critical thinking, and the looming risk of plagiarism. The study suggests that while embracing these tools can help produce meaningful argumentative writing more efficiently, caution must be taken to avoid unchecked use of ChatGPT in writing