Gamified personalized learning (GPL) has emerged as a promising approach to enhance student engagement and promote positive learning outcomes in higher education. This study investigated the effectiveness of GPL by comparing its impact on student engagement to that of traditional non-gamified personalized learning (non-GPL) in a higher education setting. The study employed a two-way ANOVA and regression analysis to examine the effects of group (GPL vs. non-GPL) and time (pre-test vs. post-test) on engagement scores. The results indicated a significant positive effect of GPL on engagement. Additionally, the increase in engagement scores from pre-test to post-test was greater for the GPL group. Regression analysis revealed that points, badges, and leaderboards were all significantly positively correlated with engagement scores. These findings suggest that GPL can be a valuable tool for enhancing student engagement and promoting positive learning outcomes in higher education.
TopBackground And Rationale
Student engagement, a cornerstone of academic success, profoundly impacts learning effectiveness, persistence, and graduation rates (Kuh, 2009). In today's dynamic learning landscape, emerging trends like gamification and personalized learning offer promising avenues to cultivate deeper engagement among students.
Gamification refers to the strategic application of game design principles and elements in non-game contexts, including education (Deterding et al., 2011). This approach leverages the inherent motivational power of games, employing points, badges, leaderboards, and other rewards to incentivize participation and enhance learning experiences (Alhammad & Moreno, 2018). Conversely, personalized learning focuses on tailoring educational journeys to individual needs and interests, allowing students to learn at their own pace and delve into topics most relevant to them (Picciano, 2014).
Both gamification and personalized learning have garnered significant research attention and demonstrated positive impacts on student engagement. However, the potential of combining these two approaches remains largely unexplored.
Global, National, and Local Context
The global education landscape is witnessing a growing emphasis on learner-centered pedagogical approaches, with personalized learning increasingly gaining traction. This shift reflects the understanding that individual student needs and learning styles vary greatly, necessitating educational experiences tailored to these diverse needs (Brennan et al., 2013) . On the national and local fronts, similar trends are unfolding. Educational institutions are implementing personalized learning initiatives, employing technology and data-driven insights to customize learning pathways (Zhang et al., 2020). This trend is accompanied by a rising interest in gamified learning, with educators seeking innovative ways to engage students and enhance their learning experiences (Signori et al., 2018).
Numerous studies have explored the effectiveness of gamification and personalized learning independently. For instance, research by Garone and Nesteriuk (2019) found that personalized learning environments significantly boosted student engagement and motivation. Similarly, Alhammad and Moreno (2018) demonstrated that gamification elements like points and badges effectively increased student participation and learning outcomes.
Despite these promising findings, limited research has investigated the combined impact of gamification and personalized learning. This gap in knowledge hinders a comprehensive understanding of their synergistic potential in fostering deeper student engagement and promoting positive learning outcomes.
Significance of the Study
This study aims to bridge the existing gap in the research by investigating the combined effects of gamified personalized learning on student engagement. By analyzing the interplay between these two emerging trends, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into:
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The effectiveness of gamified personalized learning in enhancing student engagement compared to traditional learning approaches.
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The specific gamification elements that are most effective in promoting engagement within a personalized learning environment.
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The underlying mechanisms driving the observed increase in student engagement.
The findings of this study hold significant potential to inform the development and implementation of more engaging and effective learning environments in higher education. By harnessing the collective power of gamification and personalized learning, educators can create a more stimulating and personalized learning landscape that caters to individual student needs and fosters deeper engagement, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes and student success. be used to motivate students to learn and personalize their learning experience to meet their individual needs.