Design and development of a pictorial game-based Chinese character module for non-native primary school learners

Abstract

This study aims to develop a pictorial game-based Chinese character module (CCM) for non-native Chinese language learners in Malaysian National-Type Chinese Primary Schools (SJKCs) to strengthen their recognition and motivation. The design and development research (DDR) model is applied in three phases: needs analysis, design and development, and evaluation. During the needs analysis phase, 75 first-year Chinese language teachers will complete a survey, and five teachers will participate in interviews to identify students’ learning challenges and instructional needs. In the second phase, a prototype of the CCM will be developed and refined based on feedback from 15 experts using the fuzzy delphi method (FDM). In the third phase, a quasi-experimental study involving 200 first-year non-native students (100 in the control group and 100 in the treatment group) will be conducted to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness using pre- and post-tests, as well as teacher and student questionnaires. The CCM is expected to improve Chinese character recognition skills and increase motivation through pictorial and game-based strategies. If proven effective, the CCM could be scaled for broader classroom use and integrated into the national curriculum as a supplementary tool to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment in SJKCs.