Effectiveness of GBL in the Engagement, Motivation, and Satisfaction of 6th Grade Pupils: A Kahoot! Approach

Abstract

In the modern day, educational demands necessitate student-centered instructional approaches at all levels of educational institutions. Through the integration of digital technology, these frameworks incorporate up-to-date teaching methods, encourage social engagement, and promote cultural values. Gamification in digital technologies assists in establishing an educational environment that is engaging, entertaining, personalized, and constantly available. This educational environment is based on digital learning resources and draws on stored human knowledge, articulating education by removing geographical and temporal boundaries. Kahoot! is a platform that allows the creation of and access to gamified assessment quizzes while integrating technology into the teaching and learning process. In this article, we present the results of a study based on a Kahoot! quiz used in a classroom with 27 6th-grade pupils in a Greek elementary school. Our objective is to determine the effectiveness of game-based learning by using Kahoot! as a supplementary element to traditional teaching methods. With the inclusion of a post-activity questionnaire for overall interest and motivation to learn while using Kahoot! and the Driscoll Questionnaire, we aim to explore the potential benefits of Kahoot! in the learning process, pupil engagement, and assessment. The analysis of the collected data from the questionnaire demonstrated a positive attitude toward Kahoot! as an alternative educational method and learning approach. It also revealed positive feedback on the motivation, enjoyment, sense of autonomy, creativity, and pupil interest in the learning process. In addition, the study indicated a moderate positive effect on pupils’ understanding of the learning content and a slight inclination towards the technology-based, non-traditional approach compared to traditional teaching. Based on the findings, by fostering an encouraging and creative environment, we can improve pupil engagement and overall motivation while promoting autonomous learning through a game-based experience.