Learning with gamification

How does gamification help with learning?
Learning is often perceived as unpleasant. Therefore, with the help of gamification, it should be combined with the positive stimulus of “fun”. The learner is conditioned to associate learning with fun. This enables anxiety-free learning and helps to effectively expand and deepen knowledge. Motivation can also be significantly increased. This is due to the innate instinct to play and the reward system in the brain, which is stimulated by playing to release emotions. Cognitive and creative skills are activated in the process. They help to achieve learning success more quickly in both analog and digital learning.
What is the purpose of gamification in the learning process?
Nowadays, the focus is not only on reproducing knowledge that has been learned, but also on understanding it. The aim is to eradicate so-called “bulimic learning”. The ability to apply, transfer and reflect on what has been learned play an important role here. The term “sustainable learning” is becoming increasingly important. Further information can be found in the article “Sustainable learning with gamification”. As a result, a more open approach to the topic of “learning” must be created. Gamification helps here. While complex challenges awaken the thirst for knowledge, playful approaches, interactions, storytelling and explanatory videos achieve more effective learning success.

School subjects can be told in different stories or divided into various mini-games. The levels are divided into individual subject areas and each level has a steadily increasing level of difficulty. The story can also be told with the help of a companion. This explains the tasks to be solved. The packaging of tasks in a more exciting context can also serve to convey a better understanding and enjoyment of the game.
Quests
Quests drive competitive thinking and serve to increase motivation by using cooperative quests. To encourage the player to master the quests, a reward is given at the end of the quest. They can also provide the player with a more exciting experience. Difficult subjects, such as science, can be taught to the player more easily.
Direct feedback
Direct feedback gives the player constant insight into their learning progress. It always shows how much work is still to be done to achieve the goal. Even players who are slow learners can be motivated by small steps forward. Positive feedback makes progress visible, for example through rewards. Your own learning speed can also be determined here

The willingness to learn more can be increased through the use of different media. Tablets and computers can help to increase motivation. Gamification can be used to combat difficulties in learning. This puts a different perspective on learning. A creative approach is used. This aims to reduce inner blockages and inhibitions towards a topic to be learned. Experiments, puzzles and teamwork also provide an emotional learning experience.
Competition is encouraged
Competition must also be encouraged, for example to train healthy self-assessment. This can be achieved with the help of ranking lists. Competing against each other helps to motivate students to improve their own performance. Furthermore, even schools can play against each other. This promotes community as a school.

Since most people find learning difficult or often lack understanding, the subject needs to be taught in a different way. Gamification helps here. The use of playful elements in the learning context blends learning with fun. This promotes sustainable learning and serves to increase motivation. As the individual's own successes are always in view, the individual learning pace can be determined and self-assessment can be trained. Gamification also creates a more open approach to difficult topics. As a result, inhibitions and blockages can be reduced and anxiety-free learning is made possible.