How gamification influences the learning process

What is gamification? Gamification of training refers to the use of playful mechanisms to gamify learning contentin order to stimulate learner curiosity and improve user engagement. This is achieved by encouraging and rewarding the use of the tools implemented. The goal is to push learners to be more and more involved in the learning process by using psychological incentives. For example, it is common to use rules, principles and reward systems specific to the game world in order to easily visualize the learner’s progress while encouraging and motivating them. This process increases the amount of time spent on learning, promotes collaboration between learners and facilitates consolidation of learning. It also encourages the learner to become actor in his or her own learning process by making him or her feel responsible for his or her own skills development.

Gamification does not necessarily imply the use of real games and does not require the imposition of a playful dimension to the entire training. It does, however, reflect the influence of the design and introduction of gaming experiences on human behaviour and engagement.

Taking all of these elements into account, the MEANING project partners will develop a set of cards (IO3) that will serve as a playful support for language teachers who can use them as a teaching support in order to vary the learning methods and the reasons for the learners’ engagement in their acquisition of skills.