Needs Analysis of the Chinese Character Module for Non-Native Learners among Year 1 Pupils

This study aims to identify the need for developing a Chinese Character Module in teaching Chinese character recognition skills to non-native Year One learners in Chinese Primary Schools (SJKC) those face significant challenges in learning Chinese characters. The main objective of this study is to determine the content, pedagogical, and technological needs in developing the module. This study conducted by using Design and Development Research (DDR) design, which is focusing on the needs analysis phase. The 75 Chinese teachers involved as a study sample were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data in this study collected through a questionnaire through online and analyzed using descriptive statistics via SPSS software. The findings show that existing teaching materials are not suitable for the proficiency level of non-native learners (mean score = 1.95, SD = 0.93). So that, there is a strong need to develop a Chinese Character Module to enhance student motivation and interest (mean score = 4.15, SD = 0.41). The study also found that picture-based and game-based approaches received strong support from teachers (mean score = 3.69, SD = 0.54) in teaching Chinese character recognition to non-native learners. The average score for constructs related to the desired features of the module show a high overall mean interpretation level (mean score = 3.90, SD = 0.54). Based on these findings, the study implies that a more user-friendly, interactive, and systematic Chinese Character Module should be developed to support the teaching of Chinese characters to non-native learners. The recommended Chinese Character Module has the potential to improve Chinese character proficiency among non-native speakers and provide a more engaging and effective teaching aid.