The power of gamification in education

In the past, classroom learning was sitting quietly and taking notes, but researchers and educators now recognize that this approach often falls short, especially when it comes to sparking student engagement and motivation.

As a result, more and more schools and training companies are leveraging the power of gamification in education. Understanding what gamification is and how it can enhance the learning experience will help you create a more effective and engaging environment for your students.

Introduction to gamification

Gamification in education refers to using elements such as points, badges, leaderboards and challenges to improve student outcomes. These elements can motivate students and help them learn and retain information.

Gamified or game-based learning sometimes involves designing activities so they are inherently like games, such as doing a Jeopardy-style test prep session. In other cases, teachers apply aspects of games to existing learning activities like assigning reward points for reading books.

Modern educators are increasingly using both methods because they tap into an already popular activity: video games. More than 80% of internet users play video games, which translates to around 2.6 billion gamers around the globe.¹ The diverse range of interest in gaming makes it a great choice for instructors who teach complex topics.

Key principles of gamification

Gamified activities differ based on course structure, size and focus. However, a few key principles guide their development.

Reward systems and leveling up

One of the core components of gamified learning is acknowledging student achievements. Points, virtual currencies, prizes and celebratory animations are an excellent alternative to grades for low-stakes assignments.

Badges are another visual representation of students' accomplishments. When they reach certain levels of success, you can add a badge to their profile within the learning management system.

In addition, leaderboards can motivate students by drawing on their competitive sides. However, be cautious about displaying the entire leaderboard. Students who are in or near the bottom may feel demotivated and embarrassed if their low ranking is visible to everyone.

Progress tracking and feedback loops

Feedback is essential to student growth, and many gamified activities allow for rapid or instant responses. Students can immediately see their mistakes and ask questions about topics they find challenging.

Gamification also involves detailed progress tracking, which gives students a clear picture of how they're advancing. It allows the teacher to understand each student's progress and pinpoint areas requiring additional support.

Educational outcomes

Gamification has many advantages for student learning. It improves motivation and participation, inspiring students to complete activities, collaborate and comprehend new information.

Studies show that gamified learning also improves concentration, immersion and social interaction and fosters a more positive attitude toward learning difficulty.² The interactive nature of the activities increases retention, and game-like elements promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Tools and technologies

Advances in technology have made gamification easier for education professionals and students. Many learning management systems now have integrated features, including badges, levels and leaderboards.

In addition, instructors often create quizzes and challenges using game-based learning platforms such as the following:

• Kahoot! 
• Gimkit
• Quizizz
• Quizlet
• Classcraft

Interactive simulations, virtual reality and artificial intelligence (AI) applications are also changing gamified learning by immersing students in realistic environments. Rather than reading about how to apply a concept, they can use technology to put it into practice, gaining rewards and levels as they go. Paired with learning analytics, these technologies offer greater insights into student needs.

Implementation strategies

The success of gamified learning rests on its design and implementation. To increase the chance of success, make sure the game mechanics align with your learning objectives. Think about what specific skills and knowledge students will gain and how they will move toward desired outcomes.

Another effective strategy is incorporating storytelling and themed challenges. Integrating gamified activities into a larger narrative makes lessons more memorable. Similarly, choosing themes makes activities more relatable and cohesive.

Finally, gamified assignments shouldn't be oversimplified, so remember to balance fun elements with educational rigor. Present students with challenging content and complex concepts.

Overcoming common challenges

Gamification can be enjoyable for everyone involved, but it comes with potential obstacles. Anticipating and overcoming these challenges allows for an enriching learning experience.

Addressing diverse learning styles and needs

All learning should be inclusive. Not all learners will respond to gamification the same way. Individual preferences and learning styles need to be considered. Failing to accommodate students' differing needs is detrimental, decreasing learner confidence and causing frustration. Consider how physical or learning impairments can affect the use of gamification.

Ensuring technology access and support

Gamification often requires technology, such as a smartphone or computer. To ensure all students can participate and have equal opportunities, technology must be functional and accessible. Effective gamification requires thoughtful design and sometimes custom tools or platforms. Poorly executed interfaces, bugs or confusing user experiences can hinder rather than enhance learning. Students should also have technology support to address problems with learning platforms, internet connections and their devices.

Avoiding over-reliance on rewards or competition

Constantly focusing on extrinsic motivators (like points or leaderboards) can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation. Learners might focus on rewards rather than the value of the content itself—known as the "overjustification effect." When rewards become repetitive, students lose motivation and become less engaged. For some students, competition also induces stress. Leaderboards and rankings can add unnecessary pressure and make students feel isolated.

Real-World success stories

Gamified learning is beneficial in all kinds of learning environments, including elementary or primary school.³ Research also shows strong results for middle school students, specifically in improving motivation and satisfaction levels.⁴

Students in higher education can also achieve significant gains through game-based activities. A recent study in Athens, Greece revealed that engineering students using gamified learning experienced an 89.45% improvement in performance compared to those in lecture-based education.⁵

In the corporate world, gamification enhances training activities for employees. For example, since implementing a gamified system for customer service agents, Microsoft has seen a 12% decrease in absenteeism and an 89% increase in knowledge application.⁶

Bring the power of gamification into your classroom

Gamification can have a profound influence on educational experiences, but tailoring activities to your learners' needs and goals is vital. Start with small steps, such as a pilot program, and continue to iterate and refine your gamified experiences to maximize its value.

Gamified learning is only one of many strategies educators can use in the classroom. The online Master of Science in the Learning Sciences (MSLS) program at Southern Methodist University introduces a wide range of teaching tools, methods and techniques.

Contact us to learn more about admissions and program requirements. Schedule an appointment with an advisor to begin your journey toward transforming the learning experience.