Impact of gamification on academic performance and motivation of higher basic education students

Abstract

Introduction: The problem raised focused on the need to determine whether the incorporation of game elements in the educational environment could improve student engagement and academic outcomes. Objective: The overall objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of gamification on the academic performance and motivation of higher basic education students. Methodology: The methodology used included descriptive and correlational study, through the application of a pre- and post-application survey to 30 students, which evaluated their perceptions about gamification, their academic performance, and their motivation. The data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient to identify significant relationships between the variables. Results: The main conclusion of the correlation revealed a strong and positive relationship between gamification and academic performance, with a coefficient of 0.937, and between gamification and student motivation, with a coefficient of 0.863. This suggests that the implementation of gamification strategies in the classroom not only improves academic performance, but also significantly increases student motivation, which in turn contributes to better educational outcomes. These findings support the integration of gamification as an effective tool in the educational process. Conclusions: Gamification generates a high motivational impact on the student and generates an increase in academic performance, due to the interaction and rewards that were used that allowed them a high interest in learning. It should be noted that the design and planning must be balanced in a contextualized way. General study area: Education Specific study area: Digital environment. Type of study: Original article.