Welcome to Gameful Pedagogy

An approach inspired by techniques and methods found in
well-designed games

What is Gameful Learning?

Gameful learning is a pedagogical approach that takes inspiration from how good games function, and applies that to the design of learning environments. Gameful design operates in a self-deterministic framework–we want to apply what self-determination theory says about how intrinsic motivation works to build motivating classroom experiences.

Interested in implementing gameful strategies? Start Here

Competence

Competence
Belongingness

Belongingness
Autonomy

Autonomy
Intrinsic Motivation
Our key principles
Choice

Choice

Supporting autonomy means students have some choice over their learning environment. This instills a feeling of ownership over thier education.

Feedback

Feedback

One of the most engaging aspects of games is getting immediate feedback in response to your actions. Rubrics, auto-graded quizzes, and peer feedback are some methods to help ensure students get immediate, descriptive feedback.

Freedom to Fail

Freedom to Fail

In gameful courses, you can set up learning opportunities in a way that minimizes risks for students so that they’ll be more likely to choose assignments outside their comfort zone and expand their skill set, and less likely to stick with assignments where they know they’ll do well.

Transparency

Build up points from zero

In a traditional grading system students start with the best grade they will ever get. On day 1 they have 100% and lose points as they complete assessments throughout the course. In a gameful system students start at 0 points and earn their way toward their goal in a way that suits their unique situations.

I really enjoyed the flexibility and non-competitive nature that the grading system provided. As a student, I can say that I did a lot of work, found myself more likely to enjoy the work, and felt in control of my progression in the class.
– A Satisfied Student
Learn More About Gameful Pedagogy

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