Gameful Learning: Designing with Motivation in Mind

Abstract

We introduce gameful learning, a pedagogical approach rooted in both motivation theory and principles of successful game design. The approach complements cognitively-based design approaches that are more typically employed in the Learning Sciences. This paper describes the roots of the pedagogy, its importance in supporting deep learning in the current educational context, its underpinnings in motivation, and core principles for gameful course and assessment designs.