The Role of Music in Enhancing Memory and Intrinsic Motivation in the Recognition of Chinese Characters among Year 1 Students

Abstract

Memory and intrinsic motivation are essential elements in language learning, particularly in early education, where foundational skills are developed. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of music in enhancing memory for recognizing Chinese characters and to determine the level of intrinsic motivation among Year 1 students after integrating music into the recognition of Chinese characters. This action research, conducted over first cycle and second cycle, utilized pre- and post-tests and questionnaires in each cycle to collect data from 15 Year 1 students at Chinese Primary School selected through purposive sampling. The data analyses revealed that music effectively enhanced memory for recognizing Chinese characters among Year 1 students, and their intrinsic motivation levels were high after integrating music into character recognition (t = 9.206, p < 0.05). The study highlights the potential of music as a tool to improve memory retention and foster motivation, particularly in language learning. These findings have significant implications for teaching practices, encouraging educators to adopt music as an innovative and engaging instructional approach to enhance learning outcomes in diverse educational settings.