Dr. Charity Geo -Wosu & Dr. Chimene Walele
Use of Gamification-Based Teaching Strategies in Enhancing Students’ Academic Performance in Basic Science in Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigated the use of gamification-based teaching strategies in enhancing students’ academic performance in Basic
Science in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two corresponding null hypotheses tested
at the 0.05 level of significance. A pretest–posttest control group quasi-experimental research design was adopted. The
population comprised 3,120 Junior Secondary School Two (JSS2) students from 35 registered private secondary schools in Port
Harcourt. A sample of 112 students was selected using a combination of simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Two
schools were randomly selected, while intact classes were used, and schools were purposively chosen based on criteria such as
availability of ICT facilities, presence of qualified Basic Science teachers, co-educational structure, and administrative consent.
Data were collected using a researcher-developed Basic Science Performance Test (BSPT), which was validated by experts and
yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.82 using the Kuder-Richardson 21 formula. The experimental group was exposed to
gamification-based instruction involving points, badges, leaderboards, quizzes, and progressive challenges, while the control
group was taught using the demonstration method. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Analysis of
Covariance (ANCOVA) to control for pre-existing differences. Findings revealed that students taught using gamification-based
strategies performed significantly better than those taught using the demonstration method. The results also showed no
significant difference between male and female students’ academic performance when exposed to gamification. The study
concludes that gamification enhances students’ engagement, motivation, and academic performance in Basic Science. It
recommends that teachers integrate gamification strategies into classroom instruction and that school administrators provide
the necessary training and resources to support its implementation.
