Enhancing Students' Learning Achievement through Games Using Gamification Methods in Schools

Gamification in education is an emerging pedagogical approach that enhances students’ motivation, competencies, and engagement in learning by integrating game design elements into educational environments. To improve the implementation of gamification methods and provide evidence-based recommendations for their effective application in education, it is essential to identify and analyze the findings reported in previous studies, including the subject areas in which gamification has been applied, the types of gamified instructional approaches employed, and their intended learning objectives. Although gamification continues to gain prominence as an educational innovation, the existing body of research provides insufficient evidence regarding its long-term benefits within educational contexts. This study presents a systematic review of ten empirical studies published between 2010 and 2025 on the application of gamification and game-based approaches in school informatics education. Three major instructional models were identified: (1) the use of digital games for learning (Game-Based Learning, GBL), (2) the gamification of the learning process through elements such as points, levels, and badges, and (3) student-designed game development. Coding based on twelve analytical parameters revealed that game creation has the strongest impact on the development of computational thinking, whereas gamification is particularly effective in enhancing students’ motivation in the short term. Based on the findings, practical recommendations are proposed for computer science teachers regarding the effective integration of gamification strategies into classroom practice. 

gamification, game-based learning, game design elements, student learning achievement

Enhancing Students' Learning Achievement through Games Using Gamification Methods in Schools