Classcraft - Research on Gamification in Education

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“Classcraft’s interpretation of PBIS and its understanding of the connection to SEL is advanced and enlightened.”

Classcraft is paving the way for happier and engaged students

Through experimental classes and feedback from teachers in Canada and France, researchers noted increased motivation and participation and deeper interest in class work from students who were using Classcraft.

A survey of over 875 teachers using Classcraft found that after one year participating classrooms were more fun, efficient, and positive. Profound improvements were recorded in engagement, performance, and atmosphere.

The research in this study found that teachers can extract the greatest potential from BYOD and younger students by using gamification to create a learning environment that is engaging, enriching, relevant, and fun.

Study results revealed that games, gamification, and game elements motivate students to exceed requirements. Participants missed fewer assignments — even submitting work ahead of deadlines — and improved their collaboration and communication.

Research conducted on using a concept-based approach to improving the teaching-learning process found that successful implementation of methods such as gamification improves students social skills, involvement in lessons, and performance in class.

Use of Gamification in the IB History Class and as a Tool for Form Teacher. New Empirical Research and Solutions

“... a female student who generally was the shyest in the class became a leader. She swapped roles with a male learner who in 9 out of 10 activities used to be a man in charge. Moreover, he spotlighted her strengths — organizational skills, reflective nature, and being knowledgeable. The final products are just outstanding.”

“Students stuck to the rules and performed better than in the first term. The whole class average at the end of the school year 2014/2015 was 5,4 (first term: 4,98) and was the best at school, with the highest average 5,93 and the lowest 4,87 from all of the subjects. … Grade 7 has become a team …. who shares a role in group work.”

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This study analyzed the effect of Classcraft on students, particularly those disinterested in school due to complex social and cultural issues. It found motivation increased by 90% and cooperative work and academic performance improved.

Findings of this thesis show that gamification can be a useful tool to support classroom management, and learners’ motivation, social skills, and willingness to engage in learning.

Gamification in education is a powerful motivator

Besides the pro-social benefits, games help us develop reasoning and problem-solving skills, autonomy and competence, and creativity.

This paper presents an overview of the concept of gamification (also known as “motivational design”) and shows how it can be used in education to facilitate teaching, simulations, engagement building, or activity enhancement.

In this peer-reviewed study, researchers demonstrate that video game play — with its challenges, excitement, and links to intrinsic motivation — supports positive developmental benefits for youth such as cooperation, problem-solving, and reduced in-group bias.

Four studies apply the self-determination theory to explore human motivation within video games and its effects on well-being. Results showed the participants’ perceived autonomy and competence are connected to enjoyment, preferences, and changes in well-being.

Learning grows in a well-managed classroom

Classcraft streamlines classroom management, which is a huge pain point for teachers and a key factor in students' academic and social success.

This article highlights the components needed for effective teacher-student relationships and offers strategies supported by research to positively influence the social dynamics and create high-quality relationships.

This study examined 523 teachers to better understand the effectiveness of classroom management and four predictor variables in envisage burnout. Findings indicated that three dimensions were affected differently from predictor variables.

To assist teachers in developing effective classroom management skills, researchers identified 20 evidence-based practices grouped into five critical features. Considerations for incorporating these practices are suggested, and a self-assessment tool is proposed.

Positive school climate matters more than ever

Poor school climate is linked to higher drop-out rates, lower academic performance, and more behavioral issues. A focus on social emotional learning can help.

In this table, the NDPC ranks the leading causes linked to students dropping out of school. The data stems from an analysis of seven nationally representative studies, spanning more than 50 years, regarding student drop out.

This review of 213 studies of school-based social and emotional learning programs noted significantly improved social and emotional skills, attitudes, behavior, and academic performance. The findings support the empirical evidence about the positive impact of SEL programs.

Personalized learning boosts student achievement

Personalized learning helps students learn in a way that's meaningful to them and can lead to better academic results.

This educational report examines the relationship between collaboration, personalization, and equity. From a study of almost 900 high school students at four different high schools, researchers found high-quality collaborative learning experiences met each student’s individual and academic needs.

Working in a group might be the best way to help kids meet individual goals

This American Institutes for Research (AIR) study argues that collaborative, group learning serves personal learning needs. Participating students commented that “their personal learning needs were met and that they were adequately challenged and supported when they needed help.”

“You can actually feel that your learning is personalized when you’re working in a group. There is this thought with personalized learning that students go on their own path, even if it doesn’t use technology. It might seem that personalized or student-centered learning should be more individualized. But what we found, when we measured collaboration and personalization, is that students who experienced more collaboration experienced a greater degree of personalization in their learning.”

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This fact sheet highlights key findings on personalized learning using analyzed data to create a broad picture of schools’ implementation efforts and understand the outcomes. Results revealed students using personalized learning strategies made significantly greater academic progress.

Discoveries about the brain can help teachers individualize learning for their students. This article describes how scientists have divided learning concepts into four categories and what the implications are for personalized instruction.

The NCLD visited a school in Washington to debunk the myths and present the facts about what personalized learning looks like in the classroom. The article goes on to show its tremendous potential for helping all students to learn.

Personalized learning is a great idea, but implementation, while faced with limited time and resources, can be challenging. KnowledgeWorks highlights eight reasons teachers gave for pushing through the challenges to meet students’ needs.