FORTUNE CHAKRA (FOCHA)

About the Project

This action research was conducted to improve pupils' ability to generate ideas and construct situations or stories in the Tamil Language subject through the use of the STEM Fortune Chakra (FoCha) Game Kit among Level 2 pupils at SJKT Vageesar, Kuala Selangor. The study involved 20 pupils, comprising 12 boys and 8 girls, who demonstrated moderate and low achievement in the Language Arts component. Preliminary findings obtained through classroom observations, document analysis, a pre-test, and informal interviews revealed that the pupils experienced difficulties in generating ideas, organising storylines, using appropriate vocabulary, and presenting their ideas confidently. To address these issues, the researchers developed and implemented the STEM Fortune Chakra (FoCha) Game Kit, an innovative teaching aid that integrates STEM education, gamification, cooperative learning, the VARK learning approach, and Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). The intervention was carried out over a period of four weeks through pupil-centred activities involving the use of a spinning idea wheel, group discussions, mind mapping, story writing, and oral presentations. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using pre-test and post-test scores, classroom observations, analysis of pupils' written work, and questionnaire responses. The findings indicated significant improvements in pupils' ability to generate ideas, construct meaningful situations, and produce well-organised, creative, and grammatically accurate stories. The percentage of pupils achieving Mastery Level (TP) 4 and above also increased. In addition, pupils demonstrated greater confidence, active participation, collaboration, and communication skills throughout the teaching and learning process. In conclusion, the STEM Fortune Chakra (FoCha) Game Kit proved to be an effective and innovative instructional approach for enhancing creative writing skills in the Tamil Language subject. It also created an engaging, meaningful, and pupil-centred learning environment and has the potential to be implemented more widely in Tamil Language classrooms at the primary school level.