Level Up Your Study Routine: How Gamification Makes Learning Fun

Hi! I’m Charna Katz, the new website editor for The Whole Kid. Growing up, and especially in high school, it was a huge struggle for me to study and maintain good grades. I was the “art kid,” and I found many traditional academic subjects uninteresting, even if I understood they were necessary for test scores as well as life!  Finding a way to make these concepts both rewarding and interesting to study can be a challenge. Luckily, I was introduced to a technique that really helped me both in the moment and later in my higher education experience: Applying the concept of “gamification” to studying. 

What is Gamification? Simply, it's applying game design elements (points, levels, badges, challenges, etc.) in non-game contexts. Gamification can come in a variety of forms, including:

• Video games

• Smartphone apps

• DIY games using materials like flashcards or posters

• Online tools

Gamification research has shown benefits in categories such as critical thinking, spatial reasoning, decision-making under pressure, systems thinking, creative problem-solving, and improved grades.  An example that a lot of student may recognize is the use of a tool like Kahoot! to make quizzes (or practice quizzes) more fun and engaging.  Another great example is Duolingo (which, instead of focusing on all subjects, just focuses on language). By being given a set amount of time to do specific challenges and goals, it creates motivation to play, learn, and retain knowledge through their rewards system.

So, how can you apply gamification to enhance your own at-home study techniques? 

From DIY methods to online technology and mobile apps, there are many ways you can gamify studying. If you're looking for something on your computer or phone, there are apps like Booklet or Quizlet, which you can turn notes into flash cards, study guides, and practice quizzes, where you can see the point value you earn by practicing, which can then be spent on customization of your profile. I personally have used Quizlet, which was key to making sure I not only got good scores on SATs/ACTS but was one of my main study tools for college course loads. Another great way to learn at home with gamification is to make your own study game for interesting learning. To do this, you would have to research the study material, create a way to keep track of points, and develop a set of rules and rewards for milestones. I really enjoyed this method because not only did it allow more creativity for me to express while studying, but while researching and creating a flashcard-based game it reenforced the information I was studying in the classroom. This can be done digitally for those who are tech savvy as well! I’ve had a couple of friends throughout the years make video games based off of topics they study in school for both extra credit and to help them retain information on that topic better. The possibilities of gamification in studying are truly endless!

The best part about education in the modern era is all the different study tools available to help make learning more fun and interesting. Gamification can be an alternative to working with a tutor—or it might enhance the support you get from working with a tutor.  For more information, feel free to contact The Whole Kid’s Tim Tibbitts at 216.235.3115 or through our website contact form.

Charna Katz graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2021 with a degree in Animation.  She is currently starting her own freelance business in graphic design and illustration.

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