In today’s education landscape, student-centered learning is key. This means going beyond traditional lectures and embracing methods that encourage active participation and social interaction. Digital technologies offer a powerful tool for achieving this, and gamification – the use of game-like elements in education – is emerging as a promising approach. This study explores the effectiveness of Kahoot!, a platform for creating and playing educational quizzes, in a Greek elementary school classroom. The findings suggest that Kahoot! can significantly boost student engagement and motivation to learn.
The study focused on a group of 27 sixth-graders who used Kahoot! as a supplement to traditional teaching methods. Researchers employed a two-pronged approach:
- Post-Activity Questionnaire: Students provided feedback on their overall interest and motivation while using Kahoot!
- Driscoll Questionnaire: A standardized assessment tool measured potential benefits of Kahoot! on learning, engagement, and assessment.
Positive Feedback and Increased Engagement
The study yielded encouraging results:
- Strong Student Response: Analysis of the questionnaires revealed a positive attitude towards Kahoot! as an alternative learning approach.
- Enhanced Motivation and Engagement: Students reported increased motivation, enjoyment, and a sense of autonomy while using Kahoot!
- Improved Learning Experience: The study also indicated a moderate positive effect on students’ understanding of the learning content.
These findings highlight the potential benefits of gamification in education:
- Creating a Fun and Engaging Environment: Game elements like competition and points can make learning more enjoyable and interactive.
- Promoting Social Interaction: Kahoot! encourages participation and collaboration among students.
- Fostering Autonomy and Creativity: The platform allows students to take ownership of their learning and explore concepts creatively.
The Future of Game-Based Learning
The study underscores the potential of Kahoot! and similar tools to transform learning:
- Supplementing Traditional Methods: Gamification can effectively complement traditional teaching methods, providing a fun and engaging way to reinforce learning.
- Enhancing Student Motivation: By incorporating elements of competition and play, gamification can boost student motivation and create a more positive learning environment.
- Promoting 21st Century Skills: Game-based learning can help students develop critical skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of game-based learning in classrooms. As educators continue to explore these innovative approaches, they can create learning experiences that are both engaging and effective for all students.
Stefanos Balaskas, Christos Zotos, Maria Koutroumani and Maria Rigou. Effectiveness of GBL in the Engagement, Motivation, and Satisfaction of 6th Grade Pupils: A Kahoot! Approach. Educ. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13121214
Note: Original authors are welcome to make correction.