Influence of Gamification on Student Learning and Teacher Training

Lecturers continuously change their teaching approaches to meet the evolving needs of their students in the teaching and learning environment. This occurrence necessitates integrating innovative methods to engage students with course content effectively. Teacher training programmes must adapt to challenges and update their content to include new technology, preparing future teachers for its integration into their practice. To address the challenge of maintaining student interest, some teacher educators have explored the introduction of Gamification as an alternative and engaging teaching strategy. Gamification involves using game elements in non-game contexts and using game thinking mechanisms to enhance problem-solving skills. An investigation involving 150 student teachers was conducted, inviting them to participate in a gamified learning environment where they would learn about a specific topic in their module on assessment. Following this, the students completed a survey in which they responded to the experience of using a game to learn the content. The collected data was analysed using self-efficacy theory and self-determination theory. The study's results revealed that most students reported heightened engagement and enjoyment when course content was presented through a gamified approach. They also expressed increased motivation and appreciation for the gamified material. The findings of this inquiry align with other recent research, emphasizing the benefits of Gamification as a pedagogical tool. Gamification has the potential to drive innovative teaching strategies, enhance student engagement, and boost motivation. The study also recommends how gaming elements can be seamlessly integrated into course design and discusses the implications of using Gamification on the scholarship of teaching and learning.