Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn)
Vol 20, No 3: August 2026

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

Lian Tiau Seng (Sultan Idris Education University)
Wong Kung Teck (Sultan Idris Education University)
Wan Ab Aziz Wan Daud (Universiti Malaysia Kelantan)
Shella Devi Govindarajan (Institute of Teacher Education-Ipoh Campus)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Aug 2026

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.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

EduLearn

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Library & Information Science Social Sciences Other

Description

Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn) ISSN: 2089-9823, e-ISSN 2302-9277 is a multi-disciplinary, peer-refereed open-access international journal which has been established for the dissemination of state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of education, teaching, development, instruction, ...