Needs Analysis for the Design and Development of the Digital Nahw Adventure Module in Arabic Grammar Learning

Abstract

Modern technological advancements have greatly assisted students in understanding Arabic grammar more easily and enjoyably. Various forms of multimedia can be utilized to address the challenges of a passive and one-way teaching and learning (T&L) process. In this regard, an adventure narrative-based approach is seen as a fresh and innovative idea worth introducing, as it has the potential to make learning content more engaging while stimulating students’ interest and involvement in mastering grammatical aspects often perceived as overly complex. Accordingly, this needs analysis study was conducted to examine students’ perceptions on the need to design and develop a digital adventure module for Arabic grammar learning. Grounded in the Design and Development Research (DDR) approach, the study is supported by several models and theories, including the Discrepancy Model, Sidek Module Development Model (2005), Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) Model, Cognitivism and Constructivism theories. The study comprises two main phases: the needs analysis phase and the design and development phase. The needs analysis phase involved 100 Bachelor of Arabic Studies students at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) who had registered in the Applied Arabic Grammar course. Data were collected via questionnaire and analyzed descriptively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), yielding mean and standard deviation values. The instrument covered existing Arabic grammar learning materials, learning challenges, inclination toward interactive digital learning, the need for a digital adventure module, as well as relevant design and development components. The findings indicate a high level of need for the development of an adventure narrative-based module based on students’ perceptions. Developing such an innovative adventure module is crucial in fostering deeper understanding and enriching the textbook-based T&L process, which is more creative and effective.