Integrating Cultural Diversity in Art Education: The Development of Mc-TCIM through Expert Validation

Abstract

This study aims to design a Multicultural Traditional Craft Interactive Module (Mc-TCIM) as an alternative pedagogical approach to promote culturally responsive teaching in secondary school Visual Arts Education (VAE). In this phase, the main objective is to obtain expert consensus on the appropriate elements, strategies, and content required for the development of the Mc-TCIM module. The study adopts the Fuzzy Delphi Technique (FDT) to systematically gather and analyze expert opinions, ensuring the validity and relevance of the proposed module design. This phase is divided into two main parts: the identification of elements for module design and the development of the module based on those elements. Experts were consulted to determine the appropriate content, activities, teaching strategies, assessment methods, and multimedia features that should be included in the Mc-TCIM. The findings from the Fuzzy Delphi analysis revealed strong consensus on several key components that contribute to the effectiveness of multicultural and culturally responsive teaching in diverse classrooms. The module content emphasizes traditional crafts from multiple cultural backgrounds in Malaysia, including those of Sabah, Sarawak, and the Orang Asli communities. This enables students to explore, appreciate, and understand cultural diversity through art. The interactive multimedia elements embedded in the module are designed to enhance student engagement and support various learning styles. The development of Mc-TCIM also considers the usability aspect of the module, where PowerPoint slides and lesson plans are produced in alignment with the identified content and strategies. This study holds significance for educators, as it provides a comprehensive framework for integrating multicultural values into the VAE curriculum. Furthermore, it promotes cultural sensitivity, understanding, and collaboration among students of different ethnicities. The results of this study indicate that the Mc-TCIM has strong potential to serve as an innovative and inclusive educational tool that supports national unity and appreciation of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.