Gamification Strategies in University Students: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17504303Keywords:
gamification strategies, university students, academic motivationAbstract
The objective of this study was to determine the impact of gamification strategies on the academic performance of university students compared to traditional teaching methods. A systematic literature review was conducted using a qualitative approach and an observational design, explicitly applying the PRISMA 2020 protocol and the methodological guidelines proposed by Higgins et al. (2019). The search was conducted in the Scopus, ERIC, Google Scholar, and Redalyc databases, covering the period 2019–2025. A total of 837 articles were identified. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria—considering thematic relevance, full-text availability, and university population—20 empirical studies were selected. The results showed that gamification strategies significantly improve academic performance, intrinsic motivation, and student participation. It was also observed that their effectiveness depends on pedagogical design and the context of application. In conclusion, gamification is an innovative educational tool that strengthens the cognitive, procedural, and motivational dimensions of learning, contributing to more participatory university environments in line with current digital demands. We recommend developing longitudinal and comparative research to strengthen empirical evidence and guide its sustainable implementation in higher education.
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