Teaching Thirukkural to form 2 students through the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of integrating multimedia learning tools, guided by Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML), in teaching Thirukkural to Form 2 students. Thirukkural, a timeless Tamil literary masterpiece, offers profound moral and ethical lessons. However, its classical language and intricate poetic style pose significant challenges for modern students. Recognizing these difficulties, this research adopts multimedia elements such as animation, visuals, and audio to bridge the gap between the ancient text and contemporary learners. The study aims to enhance not only students’ comprehension but also their ability to memorize and interpret Thirukkural meaningfully. Through a comparative analysis of pre-tests and post-tests, the findings reveal that multimedia-based instruction significantly improved students’ understanding, retention, and ability to express Thirukkural’s ideas accurately, while addressing common challenges like memorization difficulties, misinterpretation, and writing errors. By demonstrating the potential of multimedia learning, this research provides valuable insights into modernizing the teaching of classical literature. Thus, employing the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) in teaching Thirukkural proves to be highly effective for Form 2 students.