Behind the design of educational games are a series of strategies aimed at increasing students' intrinsic motivation to learn. From reward systems to healthy competition, we'll uncover the secrets that boost student motivation and the strategies that turn learning into a truly engaging journey.
What is intrinsic motivation?
Intrinsic motivation is the desire to do an activity, not because of its rewards or incentives, but because of the simple satisfaction it brings. It is the motivation that comes from within the individual, originating from personal interests, curiosity or a liking for the activity itself.
In the context of Game-Based Learning, this concept refers to the motivation to learn for pleasure. This is a crucial dimension in the design of educational games, which seek to increase the student's involvement and willingness to participate in the learning process. By incorporating elements such as challenge, independence, mystery, competition or rewards, this tool can create an environment that fosters intrinsic motivation in students - that is, their willingness to learn.
What strategies do educational games use?
1. Challenges and rewards
Educational games that truly capture students' attention are masters at creating a harmony between challenge and reward. By presenting strategically designed challenges and captivating rewards, educational games ignite the flame of motivation to learn. If, on the one hand, overcoming challenges feeds the desire to achieve, on the other, rewards feed the sense of satisfaction.
2. Gradual progression and intermediate achievements
The art of creating a gradual progression is also a fundamental pillar in encouraging motivation. In the design of educational games, dividing the content into accessible levels with intermediate achievements works particularly well, as it provides students with an educational journey with significant milestones. Each of these achievements is a goal to be reached and reinforces motivation through the feeling of constant progress.
3. Personalization, feedback and autonomy
Incorporating personalization into educational games allows students to take an active role in their own learning, with the ability to make meaningful decisions within the game contributing significantly to creating a sense of autonomy.
In addition, the immediate feedback provided by the game allows the student to get the information they need to progress, without needing the support of a teacher or tutor. This control strengthens the emotional connection to the game's content, boosting motivation.
4. Captivating characters and immersive narratives
When a learning game has an engaging narrative, the tool transcends the mere delivery of information that happens in traditional education. This creates the backbone of an immersive and emotionally rich experience that engages players in the long term.
5. Collaboration and healthy competition
Introducing elements that allow for healthy competition or dynamic collaboration can be a very powerful catalyst for motivation. If a student tries to get higher scores than their classmates or carry out challenges together, they will turn learning into a socially enriching experience.
This social component feeds intrinsic motivation, making students see learning as a journey taken together.
6. Engagement and fun
Game-Based Learning incorporates fun mechanics, as well as a system of constant challenges and rewards, making the learning process more engaging for students - an experience that contributes to intrinsic motivation to learn.
In short, the use of the motivation psychology makes Game-Based Learning a truly innovative educational approach. Creating a future where learning is not just a simple transmission of knowledge, but an immersive journey that inspires a passion for knowledge, is a commitment of all educators. At Kendir Studios, we want to use the intersection of mind and digital to shape the path to success!
Sources:
Banfield, J., & Wilkerson, B. (2014). Increasing student intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy through gamification pedagogy. Contemporary Issues in Education Research (CIER), 7(4), 291-298.
Habgood, M. J., & Ainsworth, S. E. (2011). Motivating children to learn effectively: Exploring the value of intrinsic integration in educational games. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 20(2), 169-206.
Partovi, T., & Razavi, M. R. (2019). The effect of game-based learning on academic achievement motivation of elementary school students. Learning and Motivation, 68, 101592.