The Effectiveness of Gamification-Based Learning in Science Education: A Systematic Review of Student Motivation, Engagement, and Cognitive Learning Outcomes

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to analyze the effectiveness of gamification- based learning in science education, by synthesizing findings from 35 included studies. The PRISMA 2020 methodology is applied to ensure systematic and transparent article selection. The results show that gamification has a significant positive impact on students' motivation to learn, with elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, narratives, and instant feedback encouraging both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Additionally, gamification consistently increases student engagement in the behavioral, cognitive, and affective dimensions, creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Despite variation, the majority of studies indicate a positive impact of gamification on cognitive learning outcomes, including concept understanding and problem- solving skills, although its effectiveness relies heavily on pedagogically integrated gamification designs. Overall, gamification is proving to be an effective innovative approach to enrich the science learning experience and improve student learning outcomes, showing great potential for further development and implementation in the context of science education.