Gamification Fatigue? Try Game-Based Learning
Gamification Fatigue? Try Game-Based Learning
Gamification Fatigue? Try Game-Based Learning
Marlena Jackson-Retondo
January, 22, 2025
Summary
Gamified learning became popular during the pandemic for its ease and student engagement, using rewards like points and badges. However, critics argue it emphasizes extrinsic motivation and surface-level learning, leading to fatigue among educators. Experts like Antero Garcia and Tanner Higgin suggest gamification lacks depth, while game-based learning—though more time-intensive—builds critical skills and deeper understanding. Effective game-based learning, digital or analog, must align with educational goals and be carefully prepared. While gamification has value when thoughtfully applied, true pedagogical impact comes when teachers connect games to students' interests, promote reflection, and prioritize conceptual understanding over quick rewards.
Reference
Jackson-Retondo, M. (2025, January 22). Gamification fatigue? Try game-based learning. KQED MindShift. https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/64964/gamification-fatigue-try-game-based-learning