72 12.3 Discussion

The Role of Gamification in Enhancing Student Engagement and Social-Emotional Learning

Gamification in education has received attention over the last few years as an educational tool to improve student engagement and learning outcomes by integrating game elements such as points, leaderboards and badges into the classroom to make learning more interactive and enjoyable (Cheong et al., 2017). My research includes various academic sources from peer-reviewed journals covering primary and secondary studies, such as systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and editorials. Research has shown that gamification can foster motivation and engagement, but its effectiveness largely depends on how these elements are used and the context in which they are used (Sailer & Homner, 2019). Studies have highlighted that social interaction and feedback are crucial in maintaining student interest and encouraging active participation (Chung & Pan, 2023). However, the challenge in applying gamification is the risk of overcomplicating the experience for students or making the game mechanics too difficult, which could discourage the learning process (Marques et al., 2023). Integrating digital tools for social-emotional learning (SEL) is also increasing, with many educators recognizing the importance of teaching social skills, emotional regulation, and peer interaction (Short, 2016). As more schools explore ways to integrate SEL into their curriculum, gamification offers a promising approach to fostering these skills. Gamification in the classroom that creates social-emotional opportunities can help students practice social skills in a safe, supportive environment (Dibello, 2012).

Positive Impact of Gamification

Multiple studies support gamification in improving different elements of learning. Sailer and Homner’s (2019) meta-analysis indicates that gamification can positively affect cognitive, motivational, and behavioural outcomes. This meta-analysis also suggests that gamification can increase academic performance and student engagement. Cheong et al. (2017) found that students responded positively to game elements when these features included progress tracking and some competition. These findings highlight the importance of utilizing well-balanced and thoughtful gamification strategies.