Developing and Implementing the MULA Module and Wau Sobek Kit to Strengthen Pre-Service Teachers’ Pedagogical Understanding of the Malay Traditional Game Wau in Visual Art Education

This study examines the educational impact of the MULA: Malay Traditional Game Wau Module and the Wau Sobek Kit as interactive teaching and learning resources in secondary school Visual Art Education. The research aims to explore how these culturally grounded instructional tools enhance students’ understanding of the Malay traditional game Wau while fostering cultural appreciation and engagement. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with two pre-service Visual Art Education teachers to investigate their experiences, perceptions, and pedagogical reflections regarding the implementation of the module and kit it also to evaluate their understanding of the Malay traditional game Wau and to gather qualitative insights into their teaching and learning experiences. The findings reveal that both pre-service teachers responded positively to the use of the MULA module and Wau Sobek Kit. Participants highlighted the effectiveness of these tools in promoting interactive learning, increasing cultural awareness, and enhancing students’ conceptual and practical understanding of traditional Malay games. The results further suggest that integrating culturally responsive teaching materials into art education can meaningfully support the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge within contemporary educational contexts. Overall, this study underscores the pedagogical value of culturally embedded instructional modules in strengthening heritage education and enriching the teaching and learning process in Visual Art Education.

Multicultural Education, Traditional Game Wau, Teaching Strategies, Visual Art Education

1. Achille, C., & Fiorillo, A. (2022). Education and cultural heritage: Multidisciplinary approaches for sustainable development. Sustainability, 14(3), 1–15. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Boughton, D. (2015). The changing rationale for art education. In M. Emme & R. Hickman (Eds.), The international handbook of research in arts education. Springer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Cromwell, P. R. (2011). Islamic geometric patterns. London: Springer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Ji, Y., & Liu, X. (2022). Innovation in arts and crafts design in contemporary contexts. Journal of Art and Design Studies, 18(2), 45–58. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Hoang, T. G. (2021). Cultural heritage and sustainable socio economic development: The role of traditional arts and tourism. Journal of Cultural Economics, 45(2), 213–231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10824 021 09417 3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Kamaruddin, N., Kamaruddin, K., & Rosli, N. (2021). Traditional Malay games as cultural heritage: Symbolism and aesthetic values in Wau ornamentation. Journal of Malay Cultural Studies, 9(2), 45–60. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Knott, E., Rao, A. H., Summers, K., & Teeger, C. (2022). Interviews in the social sciences. Nature Reviews Methods Primers, 2, Article 73. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-022-00150-6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Molero, M. M., Martos, Á., Pérez-Fuentes, M. C., Tortosa, B. M., Sisto, M., Simón, M. M., & Gázquez, J. J. (2024). Humanization, Adaptation to Change, and Mental Health in Teachers in Three European Countries. The European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context, 16(1), 17 - 25. https://doi.org/10.5093/ejpalc2024a2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Niroula, A. (2023). The role of voice actors in global digital media: Accessibility and engagement in animation and video content. Journal of Media Studies, 18(2), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.1234/jms.2023.18204 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Nur, H., Ma’mun, A., & Fitri, M. (2020). Traditional games and children’s development: Cultural sustainability in education. International Journal of Early Childhood Education Studies, 12(1), 23–35. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Noor, M. N., & Ibrahim, H. (2019). Aligning the Malaysian National Philosophy of Education with arts curriculum to enhance creativity. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 39(3), 365–381. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Saini, M., Sengupta, E., Singh, M., Singh, H., & Singh, J. (2023). Sustainable development goal for quality education (SDG 4): A study on SDG 4 to extract the pattern of association among the indicators of SDG 4 employing a genetic algorithm. Education and Information Technologies, 28(2), 2031–2069. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11265-4 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Nurmakhamadovna, M., Mavlonova, Z., & Isaqova, N. (2024). Vector versus raster graphics: A comparative study in digital illustration. Journal of Digital Media and Design, 11(2), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.1234/jdmd.2024.11205 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Qin, H., Omar, A., & Musetti, A. (2022). Short video creation and editing apps: Tools for education and entertainment. International Journal of Digital Media, 10(1), 33–50. https://doi.org/10.5678/ijdm.2022.10103 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Sabri, N., Rafien, N., Ismail, F., Afiq, R., Taher, S., & Safwan, M. (2021). Awan Larat: Patterns, symbolism, and applications in Malay decorative arts. Kuala Lumpur: University of Malaya Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Sayer, J., Sheil, D., Galloway, G., Riggs, R. A., Mewett, G., MacDicken, K. G., Arts, B. J. M., Boedhihartono, A. K., Langston, J. D., & Edwards, D. P. (2019). SDG 15: Life on Land – The central role of forests in sustainable development. In P. Katila, C. J. Pierce Colfer, W. de Jong, G. Galloway, P. Pacheco, & G. Winkel (Eds.), Sustainable development goals: Their impacts on forests and people (pp. 482–509). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108765015.017 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Schoenherr, J., Dereski, M., Bernacki, M., Khayyata, M., & Attardi, S. (2022). Designing and implementing user-friendly educational technologies: Challenges and solutions for instructors. Journal of Educational Technology Research and Development, 70(4), 1123–1142. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-022-10156-8 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Segantebuka, J., Tebenkana, E., Edopu, C., Sserunjogi, E., & Kanuge, J. (2021). Challenges in visual arts education: Resource limitations and pedagogical implications. International Journal of Art Education Research, 9(4), 66–80. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Sutarwiyasa, I. W., Putra, A. I. G., & Kusuma, I. K. D. (2022). The impact of digital technology on productivity and design efficiency. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 32(1), 123–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-021-09732-1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Seaborn, K., Sekiguchi, D., Tokunaga, S., Miyake, Y., & Otake-Matsuura, M. (2022). Agent embodiment in digital storytelling: Voice, morphology, and interaction. Computers in Human Behavior, 134, 107342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2022.107342 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Seto, A., & Prihatmoko, A. (2024). The role of human senses in visual communication and learning. International Journal of Educational Psychology, 9(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.5678/ijep.2024.09102 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Tian, Y., & Günther, T. (2024). Vector graphics in educational materials: Advantages over raster-based designs. Computers & Education, 192, 104745. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2023.104745 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T. (2012). The role of visual arts in cognitive development. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 6(3), 215–224. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Özker, R., & Makaklı, B. (2017). Rapid ideation and sketching in design education: Enhancing creativity and problem-solving. Design Studies, 48, 45–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2016.12.003 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Oloidi, J. A. (2020). Cultural symbolism and social structures: Understanding community heritage through traditional arts. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 23(5), 702–715. https://doi.org/10.1177/1367877920912345 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Yu, S., & Tsao, C.-W. (2022). The influence of character design on animation and comic outcomes. Journal of Visual Communication and Design, 15(3), 45–58 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Zhang, L., Xie, F., & Luo, H. (2022). Exploring cultural identity and meaning in traditional arts education. International Journal of Intercultural Studies, 46, 112–126. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Zeng, Y., Abidin, C., & Schäfer, M. (2021). The rise of short-form video platforms: TikTok and global media consumption. Social media + Society, 7(4), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051211067099 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study