Enhancing Thirukkural Learning via a Multimodal Approach for Form 1 Students: An Action Research Study

Traditional instruction in classical Tamil literature often has difficulty keeping students engaged and focused because it relies too much on conventional, teacher-centered rote memorization techniques. To tackle these instructional challenges, this study looks at how effective a multimodal teaching framework is for improving Form 1 students’ comprehension, retention, and motivation when learning classical Thirukkural. Using the ADDIE instructional design model as a guide, the research brings together visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements by including animated videos, audio recitations, interactive slides, and collaborative role-play to present classical couplets in a more modern context. A mixed-methods quasi experimental design was carried out over nine weeks, incorporating both quantitative pre- and post-test academic assessments, as well as qualitative teacher interviews and Likert-scale student perception surveys. The quantitative results show a noticeable improvement in conceptual understanding and post test academic achievement for the treatment group when its compared to the traditional control group. Qualitative feedback also points to fewer learning barriers, greater student focus, and more classroom participation when multimedia tools are used instead of static textbook instruction. In the end, this study highlights the need to integrate interactive digital tools and multimodal strategies to renew classical literature instruction, support higher-order thinking skills, and help ensure long-term literary appreciation in secondary education.