Prasekolah

Abstract: In research on module development, needs analysis is carried out to ensure the product created can fulfil user needs. This research was undertaken in order to identify the needs and specifications of a module based on play approach for teaching and learning of language skills among preschool children. To create a module able to fulfil the needs of teachers as users, needs analysis was carried out on 10 preschool teachers from different schools under the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews and the sampling technique was purposive sampling. Qualitative data from interviews with teachers were categorized and analyzed to identify themes for making sense of the data. Data analysis unearthed four major themes, namely: (1) The play approach was suitable for teaching and learning activities among preschool children, (2) The existing teaching approach did not focus on the play approach, (3) Teachers need appropriate sources and materials to motivate language learning in pupils, and (4) Teaching and learning activities need to consider the language capabilities of pupils. Analysis of the findings shows that the module based on play approach for teaching and learning language skills among preschool children has the potential for development. Apart from the four main themes identified, suggestions and specifications derived from interviews with teachers gave useful information for developing the module contents. The findings will be used for designing and developing the module in the next phase. The findings are expected to assist in producing a module capable of solving existing problems among teachers and motivating language skills teaching and learning among preschool children.
Keywords: Development research, module design, needs analysis, preschool teachers, play approach, language skills