Gamification: The effect on student motivation and performance at the post-secondary level

Abstract

Computer games are increasingly part of the daily activities of Canadian students of all ages, and have been shown to support student motivation and learning however can be challenging to implement in the classroom. Gamification involves incorporating elements of computer games such as points, leaderboards, and badges into non-game contexts in order to take advantage of the motivation provided by a game environment. An analysis of the literature was conducted to determine to what extent gamification supports student achievement and motivation among college level students. The findings from the analysis revealed that points, badges and achievements, leaderboards and levels are the most commonly implemented form of gamification. Incorporating gamification elements into post-secondary environments can motivate students and support student achievement in post-secondary environments. Increased class attendance and participation, which is positively correlated with improved student performance, was seen as a result of gamification. This is significant, as colleges and universities strive to attract, retain, and engage digitally savvy students who are increasingly demanding engaging, technologically rich, learning environments

Gamification in MOOCs to enhance users' goal achievement

“…Gamification is not just a buzzword, but it requires a meaningful design to implement a successfully gamified MOOC [25].…”

“…From 2014 onwards several reviews of the literature, Hamari et al [7]; Nah et al [10]; Lister [25]; Thiebes et al [26]; Pedreira et al [17]; Dicheva et al [27]; Dicheva & Dichev [16] and Lumsden et al [28], have been conducted with the purpose of investigating gamification empirical evidence.…”

“…Lister [25] performed a literature review with the purpose of determining "to what extent gamification supports student achievement and motivation among college level students", finding that a gamified-based approach directed to postsecondary students in school environment affects students' motivation and supports students' achievement. 19 articles were found and in the conclusions a need for a study focus on "the impact of gamification on student academic success and performance" and further analysis on the weakness of gamification is pointed out [25].…”

“…19 articles were found and in the conclusions a need for a study focus on "the impact of gamification on student academic success and performance" and further analysis on the weakness of gamification is pointed out [25].…”

“…In summary, this section shows that empirical evidence of effects of gamification has been investigated in several fields: education in general, [9], [27], [10]; at post-secondary level education, [25]; software engineering, [17]; cognitive training and assessment, [28] and as motivational affordance, [11]. Gamification is known for having motivational potential, offering engaging approaches and strategies to increase users' participation.…”