Reshaping Visual Learning Through the Design Thinking Model: Board Games and Dyslexic Children’s Mastery of Malay Proverbs

Abstract

This study explores the design and use of an educational board game as a pedagogical tool to introduce Malay proverbs. It focuses on demonstrating the creative process through the Design Thinking Model by discussing the board game’s potential to enhance linguistic cognitive, and social skills, particularly in facilitating the understanding of Malay proverbs through a creative and engaging approach within the Malaysian cultural context. The study integrates the concept of design thinking into five core competencies: "exploring the problem, gaining insight, creative design, prototyping, as well as analysis and iterative optimization," based on a detailed examination of the design thinking framework. A total of 112 mild dyslexic learners (ages 8 to 10) from the Dyslexic Association of Malaysia participated in this study. Qualitative data, including the final product of the board game, focus group discussions, and observations, were collected. Results suggest that the Design Thinking Model presents an effective approach for combining design (board game) with motivational factors (reward systems and series of challenges), forming a favorable active methodology. The learners were highly engaged, which justifies the increase in their motivation to learn Malay proverbs.

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Author Information
Mohd Nor Shahizan Ali, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Neesa Ameera Mohamed Salim, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
Noor Alaudin Abdul Wahab Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Karim Harun, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Norashikin Hamzah, Dyslexia Association of Malaysia, Malaysia