EFFECT OF GAMIFICATION ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

Abstract

The current study examines the effect of gamification on student motivation and academic achievement at the secondary school level. With the conventional method of teaching being questioned more and more in the present day, gamified learning environments provide a potential alternative to increase student motivation and learning gains. The study utilized the quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design that included control and experimental groups. A stratified random sample of 120 students was drawn from secondary schools. An adapted engagement scale and academic performance test were administered, with validity and reliability established from prior empirical research. The analysis of data was descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests. Results indicated that students who were given gamified instruction demonstrated higher rates of classroom participation and academic performance than those instructed using conventional approaches. The null hypotheses were consequently rejected, demonstrating a strong positive impact of gamification practices on student participation and learning. These findings advocate for the application of elements of gaming in classroom learning as a way to create an active and rich learning experience. The research concludes that gamification is an ideal pedagogical device in contemporary education, particularly at the secondary level, where student motivation is usually low. It suggests that educational policymakers, curriculum developers, and teachers should give thought to using gamified strategies for enhancing student performance and making learning more exciting.