Abstract
This study investigated postgraduate students’ experiences of using TikTok short-form videos as a learning platform for developing literature review skills. The growing influence of digital technology in education has led to increased interest in alternative learning methods that complement traditional teaching approaches. Within this context, the study explores how postgraduate students perceive TikTok as an educational tool, how its design and presentation influence engagement, and how it compares with traditional learning methods such as lectures, seminars, and textbooks. The study is theoretically grounded in the Multimodal Learning theory (MML), which guided the development of the TikTok videos and framed the analysis of how multimodal elements (visual, auditory, textual, and kinaesthetic) supported postgraduate students’ learning of literature review skills.
A qualitative research design was adopted to capture the depth and diversity of student experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and an online qualitative survey, allowing participants to reflect on their perceptions of TikTok’s educational potential. The data were analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns and relationships across both instruments. This approach enabled the study to explore participants’ views in detail, providing a rich understanding of how short-form digital media supports or challenges postgraduate learning.
The findings revealed that participants viewed TikTok as an engaging, flexible, and accessible platform that encourages quick learning and motivation through its visually dynamic and concise format. Its multimodal nature, combining visuals, audio, text, and kinaesthetic elements, was seen to enhance comprehension and appeal to diverse learning styles. Participants appreciated its capacity to simplify complex concepts and make learning feel approachable, particularly when balancing academic and personal commitments. However, they also noted that traditional teaching methods remained essential for developing critical thinking, deeper understanding, and academic rigour.
Overall, the study concludes that TikTok short-form videos serve as valuable tools that can enrich postgraduate learning when thoughtfully integrated into formal education. When used alongside traditional methods, they enhance engagement, accessibility, and inclusivity while maintaining the depth and structure needed for advanced academic development. The...