Gamification in Learning: What Is It and How Can You Use It in the Classroom?

Nowadays, convincing a student to love studying is a common challenge faced by teachers globally. Once a student figures out how much fun it is to finish a science project, solve a math problem, or even complete an essay, they can develop a life-long love for learning. However, till then, getting students to show interest in learning a new topic is tough. This is where gamification enters. Gamification in learning is a technique that utilizes rewards and activities to promote student engagement. Gamification can, if used properly, lead to students becoming more active and motivated towards learning.

What is Gamification?

Gamification is the application of game principles and game-based elements in non-game environments. Game-based elements have proven to engage, entertain and educate for many years. The global gamification market was valued at $11.94 billion by the end of 2021. Three of the most common and widely used game elements are;

• Points: Used as identifiers of progress in various situations.
• Badges: Reflect achievements of goals or targets.
• Ranks: Are used to highlight completive placements between peers or competitors.

Application of Gamification in Learning

Both teachers and parents can gamify learning in a number of ways. Considering the current trend of online classes due to the Covid-19 pandemic, gamifying learning can become a piece of cake if the LMS operates on a WordPress framework. All you have to do is install the myCred plugin on your WordPress site and gamify your classroom in no time.

What is myCred?

myCred is a modern points management solution that enables you to manage and build a range of digital rewards on your WordPress-powered online platform. You can boost student engagement by using this plugin with the help of awards as a sign of achievements. myCred offers three ways to award your students in the form of points, ranks, and badges. In addition to this plugin, there are several add-ons that enhance the functionality of myCred, making it an ideal plugin for Gamification in WordPress in the context of education.

Recommended myCred Add-ons for Gamification in Learning:

1. myCred Tutor LMS

myCred Tutor LMS is an exceptional add-on to develop a fun e-learning environment for students. All those who use Tutor LMS to create courses on their WP websites can make the experience better by rewarding students with points for various acts like;

• Complete courses and quizzes
• Logging in
• Enrolling in courses

In addition to this, this add-on also allows you to deduct points for;

• Failing an exam for a specific course
• Failing in a particular quiz

2. myCred Progress Bar

This add-on is considered very basic and simple. But it can play a vital role in attracting students to finish courses and get better marks in quizzes. With this add-on, you can create a multi-color progress bar to highlight a student’s current rank or badge achievements. You are free to customize this progress bar according to the student’s preference.

3. myCred Level Cred

The myCred Level Cred add-on is exceptional in convincing students to put the metal on the pedal for more benefits. This add-on lets you reward points through either rank, badges, or user roles. This means leveling up will eventually lead to more awards, gifts, and certifications, according to your reward module.

Gamification in Learning Examples

Points Are Awarded for Meeting Academic Objectives.

Encourage students to tackle difficult questions with a whole new mindset. You can get reward points considering how well an answer is structured. More points mean higher rank, eventually leading to students working harder to deliver better solutions or answers to questions.

Establishing a Competitive Environment

A great way to encourage students to perform better in school is by establishing a competitive environment. A small prize, certificate, or even a simple appreciation announcement can encourage classmates to challenge each other to achieve higher ranks and scores. Also, gamification in learning can be helpful in maintaining discipline. For example, a point will be deducted every time a class rule is broken. On the other hand, good behavior and 100% attendance will be rewarded with plus points. Such an environment has a strong chance of students focusing more on learning than fooling around.

Introducing Different Methods of Progression

Teachers can use levels or checkpoints to motivate learners to consider themselves better than they were yesterday. For example, every time a student reaches 100 points, let them level up. You can set a reward at certain levels, such as playtime, a homework-free day, or a chocolate bar, to encourage learners to work harder in order to level up.

The Benefits of Gamifying Learning

Greater Engagement

Gamification in learning has proven to boost students’ interest in education and finish courses. When learning becomes fun, you can expect more participation.

Instant Feedback

With the help of the weekly or monthly progress of students, teachers can easily evaluate all the areas of improvement. Students can also understand where they stand and how hard they need to work to achieve more points or even pass a specific course.

In-class Competition

Competition is always healthy! Without competition, students will never be able to taste defeat and won’t be able to experience how life will be when they enter their professional stage of life.

Learning at an Individual Pace

We all have different learning speeds. Gamification in learning allows students to learn at their own pace and even witness their progress improve as they move forward. With the help of points and badges, students can work on themselves through self-evaluation.

Wrap Up

Many may still object to gamification as a healthy technique in classrooms. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give it a try. According to research, almost 80% of learners say that they can be more productive if their university or institute is more game-like. If you haven’t used gamification in your classroom, you might not be giving your students the chance to learn and grow.