KUPAS SENI: Jurnal Seni dan Pendidikan Seni ISSN 2289-4640 /eISSN 0127-9688 Jilid 13 Isu Khas, 2025 (85-90) 85 Singing, Dancing, and Graphing: An Artistic Expression Approach in Teaching Graph Functions to Indigenous Students Nurhayani Romeo 1 , Sheikha Majid 2* 1,2 Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia To cite this article (APA): Romeo, N., & Majid, S. (2024). Singing, Dancing, and Graphing: An Artistic Expression Approach in Teaching Graph Functions to Indigenous Students. KUPAS SENI: Jurnal Seni Dan Pendidikan Seni, 13(Isu Khas), 85-97. https://doi.org/10.37134/kupasseni.vol13.sp.9.2025 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.37134/kupasseni.vol13.sp.9.2025 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 Ar tistic 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. Keywords: Artistic Expression, Music, Graph Functions, Indigenous secondary students, Artistic Development Theory INTRODUCTION Ensuring educational equity in Malaysia is particularly urgent when addressing marginalized communities, such as the Indigenous people, especially in Kuala Lipis, Pahang. Despite various policies and initiatives led by organizations like the District Education Office (PPD), the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), the Indigenous Development Department (JAKOA), and the Malaysian Teachers' Institute (IPG), dropout rates among Indigenous students remain a challenge, influenced by their cultural and lifestyle factors. For Indigenous students, traditional teaching methods may not fully align with their lived experiences, learning styles, and cultural identities. According to Sarra and Ewing (2014), a range of challenges with the provision of education services are faced by children and families, particularly those outside metropolitan regions. To delve into this issue, the artSMart 8 project, initiated by the Faculty of Education at UiTM Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, aimed to empower the community through quality education. Under the theme "Unlocking Learning Opportunities," the project seeked to enhance educational equity as the core objective. This aligns with the Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013-2025) and reflects the principles outlined in the National Education Article Info: Published Date: 18 April 2025 *Corresponding Author: sheikha@uitm.edu.my