Description

This work examines the potential of gamification as an innovative pedagogical strategy to strengthen academic performance in the field of higher education. This study focuses on an applied experience with students from the Faculty of Early Childhood Education at the Enrique Guzmán y Valle National University of Education (Peru), specifically in the subject of Applied Didactics for the 1st cycle, during the year 2024. Gamification, understood as the incorporation of game elements in non-game educational contexts, is presented here as a methodology capable of energizing the learning experience, enhancing student motivation, and generating a more participatory environment. Throughout the text, its theoretical foundations, its links with active learning, and the challenges associated with its implementation in real university environments are analyzed. In addition, various technological tools and applications are examined that allow for the design of gamified content tailored to student needs and the specifics of the teaching context. The documented experience demonstrates that, beyond the playful component, gamification offers new forms of educational interaction that foster both academic engagement and pedagogical reflection. This work constitutes a relevant reference for teachers, researchers, and educational administrators interested in innovating teaching-learning processes in initial vocational training. Its approach combines theoretical analysis with practical evidence, providing useful input for understanding, applying, and evaluating the impact of gamification in higher education.

Suggested citation (APA, seventh edition)

Casimiro-Urcos, C. N., Casimiro-Urcos, W. H., Tobalino-López, D., Pareja-Pérez, L. B., Vegas-Palomino, E. M., & Montañez-Huancaya, A. P. (2025). University Gamification: An Experience on Its Impact on Academic Performance. Sophia Editions.