Social Science and Human Research Bulletin

This study examines the self-actualization levels of 1,520 primary school teachers in the Batang Padang and Muallim district across three school types: National Schools (SK), Chinese National-Type Schools (SJK(C)), and Tamil National-Type Schools (SJK(T)). Using a quantitative approach, data analysis through ANOVA revealed significant differences in overall self-actualization scores among the groups (F(2, 1517) = 79.27, p < .001). Tukey's post-hoc tests confirmed that teachers in SJK(T) reported the highest mean score of 79.91 (SD = 7.73), which was significantly greater than SK (M = 75.54, SD = 6.84) and SJK(C) (M = 72.36, SD = 5.78). Analysis of sixteen sub-components consistently showed higher scores for SJK(T) teachers across traits such as self-acceptance, respect for humanity, creativity, empathy, and positive values. These findings highlight the influence of cultural context and school environment on teachers' self-actualization. The results underscore the importance of developing culturally responsive educational policies and tailored professional development programs to promote teachers’ well-being and holistic growth in diverse, multicultural settings.

Professional development, school environment, cultural background, teacher well-being, self-actualization

Journal Papers

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Books

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Theses

1. S. Yukawa, T. Takanashi, T. Koyama, and T. Kanda, The reflective teacher: Towards self-actualization, doctoral diss., JALT Publications, 2011.
2. V. Velayudhan, Job satisfaction and self-actualization among primary school teachers, doctoral diss.., Sultan Idris Education University, 2013.

Proceedings Papers

1. S. Ntumi, Reporting and interpreting multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA): Adopting best practices in educational research, Proc. Journal of Research in Educational Sciences Conf., 12(1), 2021, 1–16.
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3. V. Velayudhan and Jayagobi, Kepuasan kerja dalam kalangan pensyarah Maktab Perguruan Islam, Bangi, Maktab Perguruan Bangi, Selangor, 2018.

Web Resources

1. Distance Learning Institute, Humanistic learning: The path to self-actualization, 2024. https://distancelearning.institute/instructional-design/humanistic-learning-path-to-self-actualization/
2. S. Staley, The importance of self-actualization for students & society, Charles Koch Foundation, 2022. https://charleskochfoundation.org/stories/sam-staley-why-self-actualization-is-good-for-students-and-society/
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