Gamification as a cross-cutting strategy to improve student motivation and academic performance [Gamificación como estrategia transversal para mejorar motivación y rendimiento académico estudiantil]
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62574/v993wg78Keywords:
teaching methods, motivation, teacher trainingAbstract
Educational gamification has emerged as an innovative pedagogical strategy to address contemporary challenges in student motivation and academic performance. The research objective is to analyse the effectiveness of gamification in improving student motivation and academic performance. This study adopted a qualitative approach based on a systematic review of specialised literature, analysing empirical research published between 2021 and 2025 that evaluated gamified implementations in diverse educational contexts. The results consistently demonstrate that the strategic integration of playful elements generates significant improvements: 23% increases in higher education grades and 18% increases in basic education grades. Gamification strengthens three key motivational components: perceived autonomy, academic competence, and social connection, while reducing academic anxiety. Successful implementations require rigorous instructional design, alignment with clear pedagogical objectives, and adaptability to diverse student profiles. Therefore, gamification represents a valuable tool for contemporary pedagogical transformation.
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Copyright (c) 2025 José Luis Mendoza-Palma , Piedad Elizabeth Anchundia-Laas, Gloria Marilú Intriago-Vélez, Melina Virginia Demera Moreira (Autor/a)

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