The Effectiveness of Gamification on Academic Achievement in Biology Among Senior Secondary Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64420/ijitl.v2i2.355Keywords:
Gamification, Improving Academic Achievement, Biology, Senior Secondary StudentsAbstract
Background: This study examines the effectiveness of gamification in improving biology achievement among senior secondary students in Delta State, Nigeria, where context-specific evidence is still limited. Objective: To evaluate the impact of gamification on academic performance, motivation, engagement, and knowledge retention. Method: A quasi-experimental design involved 80 students from four schools, divided into an experimental group (n=40) receiving gamified biology lessons and a control group (n=40) taught with traditional methods; data were collected via pre- and post-tests, motivation and engagement questionnaires, a delayed retention test administered several weeks after the intervention, and observational checklists. Result: The experimental group significantly outperformed the control group on the post-test and showed higher motivation, engagement, and retention of biological concepts. Conclusion: Gamification effectively enhances this level's learning experiences and academic outcomes in biology. Originality/Value: This study makes an empirical contribution to the field of biology education and instructional technology by revealing the significant effectiveness of gamification in improving academic performance, motivation, student engagement, and long-term knowledge retention, regarding the integration of game-based mechanics into secondary biology lessons within the context of senior secondary schools in a resource-limited setting (Delta State, Nigeria), where context-specific evidence remains limited. These findings enrich the empirical literature and serve as a strategic reference for incorporating both high-tech and low-tech gamification strategies into the science curriculum and guiding professional development programs on interactive pedagogies for secondary school teachers.
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