Education · Literature

Research papers on Gamification in learning

Recent and highly-cited academic work on gamification in learning, gathered from Semantic Scholar, CrossRef and OpenAlex.

1. Gamification as a Strategy to Increase Motivation and Engagement in Higher Education Chemistry Students

   Guillermo Manuel Chans, May Portuguez Castro · 2021 · Computers · 175 citations

   In the last year, educational experiences have become increasingly challenging due to teaching classes remotely. For this reason, it has been necessary to develop educational strategies that accompany the use of new technologies to maintain student interest. One of these methodologies is gamification, implemented in school environments more frequently due to the pandemic and whose impact on student motivation and engagement needs to be explored. The literature shows that student participation in these contexts should be increased when applying this methodology, where teachers can also provide greater support. This research proposes improving these aspects by developing a gamification strateg

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2. Investigating the Impact of Gamification on Student Motivation, Engagement, and Performance

   Iván Miguel García-López, Elizabeth Acosta-Gonzaga, Elena Fabiola Ruiz-Ledesma · 2023 · Education Sciences · 72 citations

   In the academic context, the use of innovative learning techniques that can have a positive impact in the classroom is becoming increasingly common; gamification is one such technique. This study compared the effects of gamification on engagement, cognition, metacognition, and academic performance when university students used a gamified platform to when they did not in a mathematics course. Using the statistical technique of structural equation modelling (SEM) for both cases, the results show that motivation was the construct with the largest effects, influencing behavioral dissatisfaction, cognition, and metacognition. When students used the gamified platform, motivation influenced behavio

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3. Gamification in Education: Its Impact on Engagement, Motivation, and Learning Outcomes

   Hansika Ukgoda · 2025 · Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange · 24 citations

   Gamification, integrating game design elements into educational contexts, has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 41 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2023, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of gamification in education. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review evaluates the effectiveness of gamification elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards. Key Findings indicate that while gamification can foster positive learning attitudes and competition, its effectiveness depends on the context. The impact of game elements on engagement and motivat

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4. GAMIFICATION IN EDUCATION: BOOSTING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

   Harim Qudsi · 2024 · ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts · 22 citations

   Gamification in education has emerged as a transformative approach to enhancing student engagement and improving learning outcomes. By integrating game design elements into educational environments, educators can create dynamic and interactive experiences that motivate learners to participate actively in their studies. This study explores the theoretical foundations of gamification, highlighting its psychological underpinnings, such as intrinsic motivation and the flow state, which contribute to enhanced engagement. The paper examines various gamification strategies, including point systems, leaderboards, and badges, and their impact on student motivation, collaboration, and retention of kno

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5. A Meta‐Analysis of Gamification's Impact on Student Motivation in K‐12 Education

   M. Kurnaz, Nilüfer Koçtürk · 2025 · Psychology in the Schools · 21 citations

   Gamification is widely used to enhance student learning and engagement. This meta‐analysis focused on experimental research examining the effects of gamification on student motivation in K‐12. Studies were retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest, resulting in 279 articles screened, with 31 meeting the inclusion criteria. The pooled effect size (k = 41) for gamification was g = 0.654 (95% CI [0.442, 0.866]) under a random effects model, with high heterogeneity observed (I2 = 88.92). Unlike previous meta‐analyses, this study simultaneously compared gamification's effects on intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and analyzed grade‐level differences across primary, secondary,

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6. Gamification in School Education: A Systematic Review of Its Effectiveness in Improving Student Motivation and Academic Outcomes

   Nurhayati Nurhayati, Fathurrohman Fathurrohman · 2025 · AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan · 17 citations

   The integration of technology in education has led to the growing adoption of gamification as a tool to enhance student engagement, motivation, and academic achievement. Despite its benefits, concerns remain regarding its impact on deep learning and disparities in technological access among institutions. This study conducted a systematic literature review to assess the effects of gamification on student motivation and learning outcomes across educational levels. Guided by the PRISMA framework, 278 articles were initially retrieved from the Scopus and ERIC databases. After screening and quality assessment, 21 peer-reviewed studies published between 2021 and 2024 were included, with quality sc

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7. Blended learning in vocational education: benefits, challenges, and student engagement

   Su Song, Y. Lai · 2025 · Cogent Education · 15 citations

   Abstract This systematic review aims to explore blended learning in vocational education (VE), where the benefits, challenges, and influence on student engagement will provide information on some recommendations that can be adopted to better design and implement. The need for this review arises from the global emphasis on technology-driven and flexible vocational training, given the rapid changes in learner needs and industry demands. The existing literature needs a comprehensive view of the way learning influences engagement in VE contexts. The review is an analysis of 24 articles selected via a systematic process guided by the PRSIMA framework that provides insights on key trends and gaps.

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8. Gamification in Education: Enhancing Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes

   C. E. Sylvester · 2025 · Journal of Informatics Education and Research · 11 citations

   This paper explores the integration of gamification in educational contexts, focusing on its potential to enhance student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. By examining theoretical frameworks, design principles, and case studies, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of how gamification can be effectively implemented in educational settings. The study also addresses the challenges in designing gamified learning experiences and highlights the benefits, such as the development of 21st-century skills and improved academic performance. The research findings suggest that when strategically applied, gamification can transform traditional learning environments, making education m

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9. Gamification in Education: Effectiveness and Impact on Student Motivation

   M. Reiter · 2025 · Acta Educationis Generalis · 7 citations

   Abstract Introduction Gamification has become a widely adopted strategy in education, aiming to enhance student motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. In vocational and technical education, digital platforms often use gamified elements to support autonomous and self-directed learning. However, the actual effectiveness of individual gamification features remains under-researched in practice. Methods The study applied a mixed-methods approach based on statistical analysis of user data from the educational platform VITA (N=5,402) and comparative evaluation against established theoretical models by Sailer (2017) and Hamari (2014). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficien

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10. Innovative teaching methods in physical fitness education: integrating technology and gamification to improve student engagement-a systematic review

    Djajati Mariana Lolowang, Fadli Ihsan, N. Piri, et al. · 2025 · Retos · 6 citations

    Background: Physical education plays a vital role in students’ holistic development, yet it often faces low engagement due to monotonous teaching approaches. The integration of technology and gamification has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance motivation and participation in physical fitness education. Objective: This study systematically reviews empirical research on how technology and gamification contribute to student engagement in physical fitness education. Methods: A systematic review method was employed to analyze studies published in the last 15 years, retrieved from academic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria focused on studies involvi

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11. Exploring the Impact of Gamification Strategies on Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes in Education.

    Greta Ahma, A. Kadriu · 2025 · 2025 20th Annual System of Systems Engineering Conference (SoSE) · 5 citations

    Gamification, the integration of game design elements into non-game contexts, has gained significant attention in the education sector as a strategy to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes. This review explores the impact of gamification strategies on student motivation, engagement, and academic performance in both high school and higher education settings. Through a systematic examination of existing literature, we analyze the effectiveness of various gamification techniques, such as points, leaderboards, badges, and game-based learning platforms, in fostering an interactive and immersive learning environment. Findings suggest that when implemented effectively, gamificat

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12. Gamification in Engineering Education: Exploring Students' Performance, Motivation, and Engagement

    Ivan Silva, Andres Wong, Benito Auria, et al. · 2022 · IEEE Ecuador Technical Chapters Meeting (ETCM) · 5 citations

    Gamification has become a popular approach to support teaching and learning in Higher Education. A significant bag of research has demonstrated its benefits, such as engagement, motivation, and learning performance. However, it has been argued that the success of a gamification application does not occur automatically without a good design process. This paper presents the design and implementation of Easy-Newton, a gamified application to help students practice physics-related concepts in a Higher Education context. The application includes gamification elements such as scores, levels, badges, and progress over the different topics and chapters. A total of 4 teachers and 261 students have ut

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13. Gamification and AI for Enhanced Student Engagement and Automated Assessment in Higher Education Moodle E-Learning

    Ahmad Shtayyat, Amjad Gawanmeh · 2025 · 2025 16th International Conference on Information and Communication Systems (ICICS) · 4 citations

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14. A Systematic Review of Gamification-Based Learning Resources in Civic Education: Enhancing Student Engagement and Civic Competence

    Hanifah Hanifah, I. Suastika, Dewa Bagus Sanjaya · 2025 · Jurnal Profesi Pendidikan · 4 citations

    This study conducted a systematic review of gamification-based learning resources in elementary school Civics Education (PKn) to improve student engagement and civic competence. The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, with the PRISMA framework, was used to analyse 17 empirical studies published between 2019 and 2024. The results showed that gamification significantly improved student motivation (86% of studies), collaborative skills (72%), and civic understanding (68%) through elements such as badges, leaderboards, and interactive simulations. Key success factors include alignment with the curriculum, teacher training, and cultural relevance. In Indonesia, implementation challenges in

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15. Gamification in Education: Effects on Student Motivation and Learning Outcomes

    Niharika Singh · 2025 · International Journal for Research in Education · 3 citations

    The application of gamification in learning processes is a new pedagogical method that incorporates aspects typical of games in non-game contexts to drive student motivation, engagement, and learning performance. This paper critically discusses the effect of gamification on the motivation of students and academic performance, with a focus on its application in learning contexts. Critical examination of literature shows that gamification has the capability to increase intrinsic motivation, drive active learning, and allow knowledge to be retained for the long term. However, the extent of effectiveness depends on levels of education and subject matter. The research design that is used in this

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16. Leveraging Gamification to Sustain Student Motivation and Emotional Resilience in Higher Education During Wartime: Case Studies from Ukraine

    M. Zhumbei, H. Apelt, N. Savchuk, et al. · 2025 · LatIA · 3 citations

    In the conditions of war in Ukraine, the educational process underwent profound transformations, accompanied by a decrease in student motivation and an increase in emotional exhaustion. The relevance of the topic was due to the need to find effective psychological and pedagogical tools to support student engagement in times of crisis. The purpose of the study was to find out the impact of gamification on student motivation; the object was the educational process in higher education institutions during the war. The research methodology was based on a questionnaire, comparative analysis, qualitative interviews, and empirical observation of gamified educational practices in three higher educati

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17. Gamification in Management Education: Enhancing MBA Student Engagement and Performance through Game Based Learning Technologies

    Rohit Mohite, Ravi Chaurasiya, Sandeep Sharma, et al. · 2025 · Journal Of Education And Teaching Learning (JETL) · 2 citations

    This study explores the integration of game-based learning technologies within management education to evaluate their influence on student engagement, motivation, and academic performance. The primary purpose is to assess whether gamification can enhance the learning experience for postgraduate business students by replicating real-world challenges in an interactive environment. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving surveys, classroom observations, and academic performance data from 150 MBA students across five Indian business schools. Game-based tools such as simulations, point systems, digital quizzes, and interactive role-play were implemented in subjects including market

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18. Gamification in ESL Higher Education: A Pathway to Motivation and Engagement

    M. Grab · 2025 · Shanlax International Journal of Education · 2 citations

    Within the world of university education, gamification, being the amalgamation of game to non gaming contexts, has gained attentions as an innovative teaching strategy particularly in the English as a second language (ESL) teaching. Deciding to use this mixed methods study to investigate the effect of gamification on student motivation and engagement in ESL teaching/learning contexts in higher education institutions in a motivated way was the right choice. In particular, the paper examines how game based elements like; points, badges, leader boards and cooperative challenges affect learner motivation and engagement. Prior to and post the intervention, the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation o

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19. Gamification in EFL: Exploring the Use of Gamification Strategies to Enhance Student Motivation and Engagement

    Hardianti Hardianti · 2024 · INTELEKTIUM · 2 citations

    Many students experience a lack of motivation and engagement in learning due to the monotonous learning system. Therefore, many teachers apply gamification strategies to increase student motivation and engagement in learning. This study investigates the integration of gamification strategies within English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction to amplify student motivation and engagement. Gamification, a methodology applying gaming elements in a non-game context, serves as a focal point to enhance learning participation and motivation. In the realm of EFL education, student motivation and engagement often pose significant challenges. Through qualitative methodology involving classroom obse

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20. Digital entrepreneurship education and gamification: a mixed-methods study on intrinsic motivation and student engagement

    Cheng-Wen Lee, Romi Ilham · 2025 · Bordón. Revista de pedagogía · 1 citations

    INTRODUCTION. The rapid advancement of technology and the evolution of the digital economy have emphasized the importance of learning systems in digital entrepreneurship education. This study explores the moderating effect of gamification on intrinsic motivation and student engagement within digital entrepreneurship education, aiming to address the gap in understanding how gamification influences student learning outcomes. METHODS. A se- quential explanatory mixed methods approach was employed. The quantitative phase involved 630 students, using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to examine the relationships between digital entrepreneurial education, intrinsic motiv

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21. Linking Gamification Technology, Motivation, and Flow to Student Engagement and Problem-Solving in Education

    Dedy Irfan, Didik Hariyanto, Heri Prabowo, et al. · 2026 · Journal of Applied Engineering and Technological Science (JAETS) · 1 citations

    The use of gamification in higher education has been widely explored as a strategy to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. However, many empirical studies on gamified learning primarily examine direct relationships between gamification and motivational outcomes, while the underlying experiential mechanisms that connect gamification with sustained engagement and higher-order cognitive performance remain insufficiently understood. In particular, few structural modeling studies simultaneously examine the roles of motivation, flow, and presence within a unified experiential framework. This study investigates how gamification technology influences student engagement and problem-solvi

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22. Gamification and Humanoid Robots in Education: Enhancing Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes

    I. Ružić · 2025 · 2025 MIPRO 48th ICT and Electronics Convention · 1 citations

    This literature review explores the application of humanoid robots in education, with a focus on gamification as a strategy for enhancing student engagement. It examines studies that investigate the use of humanoid robots in various educational contexts, assessing their impact on motivation and learning outcomes. The findings indicate that humanoid robots, when integrated with gamification elements, such as scoring, levels, challenges, and interactive tasks, can significantly enhance the learning experience. This approach enables personalized learning, provides immediate feedback, and increases students' sense of achievement. In addition to pedagogical benefits, the review highlights key eth

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23. Application of the Gamification Model in Islamic Religious Education Learning to Increase Student Learning Motivation in Vocational High Schools

    Sumi Ati, Bustanul Iman, Andi Arif Pamessangi, et al. · 2025 · Educational Journal of Learning Technology · 1 citations

    This study explores the application of a gamification model in Islamic Religious Education to enhance student learning motivation. The research aims to examine the implementation of gamification in the learning process and its impact on the motivation of class XI TKR A students. Using Classroom Action Research, the study involved 21 students and collected data through observation, questionnaires, and documentation. Data analysis included evaluating teacher and student activity sheets and motivation questionnaires. Results show that teacher activity improved from 63% in cycle I to 90.8% in cycle II, student activity increased from 54% to 91%, and student motivation rose from 62% to 86%. These

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24. Harnessing Gamification in Digital Classrooms: Enhancing Student Engagement, Motivation, and Cultural Inclusivity in Education

    LI Pei-ya, Sundas Saba, Riffat Shahani · 2025 · Digital Culture and Education Review · 1 citations

    This study reviews the impact of gamification on student engagement and educational outcomes to assess the student's strengths and weaknesses. Gamification motivates, increases knowledge retention, and makes learning an active process. In comparison, the challenges, including extrinsic rewards being relied upon too heavily, variations in student preferences across different cultures, and technological barriers, make thoughtfully designed and implemented important. Individualistic and collectivist cultures respond differently to the competitive and collaborative elements of gamified learning, influenced by cultural influences. Technological advancements are being fueled by a growing applicati

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