THE IMPACT OF GAMIFICATION ON STUDENTS' MATHEMATICAL REASONING AND SELF EFFICACY: A THREE YEAR LONGITUDINAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66303/ky2sh306Keywords:
Gamification, Mathematical Reasoning, Mathematics Self-Efficacy, Longitudinal Study, Middle School Mathematics LearningAbstract
Gamification has emerged as an innovative strategy in mathematics education, yet evidence regarding its long-term impact on mathematical reasoning and self-efficacy remains limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of gamification integration on both variables through a three-year longitudinal study. Forty 8th-grade students were divided into an experimental group (n = 20) that learned geometry net concepts using the MathChampion platform (points, badges, adaptive leaderboards) and a control group (n = 20) that received conventional instruction. Measurements were taken at pretest and at the end of years one, two, and three using the Mathematical Reasoning Test (MRT) and Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES). Linear Mixed Model analysis revealed highly significant time×group interaction effects for mathematical reasoning (F(3,114) = 29.15, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (F(3,114) = 18.44, p < 0.001). The experimental group improved MRT scores from 52.3 to 84.2 (61% gain) while the control group improved only from 53.1 to 61.5 (16% gain). By the third posttest, between-group differences were very large (Cohen's d = 1.62 for reasoning, 1.24 for self-efficacy). No evidence of fading novelty effects was found; rather, the rate of improvement remained sustained and even accelerated during the second and third years. These findings suggest that gamification designed based on self-determination theory and implemented adaptively can provide lasting cognitive and affective benefits. Practically, teachers are advised to integrate gamification systemically with adaptive elements, focusing on content requiring visual-spatial reasoning. Further research is needed to test effectiveness with broader populations and explore psychological mediation mechanisms.
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