Gamificación y retención estudiantil en cursos virtuales: Evidencia desde la práctica docente en la enseñanza de lenguas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55420/2693.9193.v16.n1.339Keywords:
gamification, student retention, online education, language learning, motivationAbstract
Student retention in online education remains a pressing challenge, especially in language courses where consistent practice and motivation are critical for success. This article presents evidence from teaching practice in fully online Spanish courses where gamification tools such as Kahoot, Quizlet, Gimkit, and Quizzes were integrated to foster engagement, sustain motivation, and reduce dropout rates. Drawing from both classroom-based evidence and recent scholarly studies, the findings suggest that gamification can positively influence student persistence by creating interactive, rewarding, and community-driven learning environments. Results demonstrate improved engagement, higher completion rates, and positive student perceptions. A discussion highlights the pedagogical implications, challenges such as accessibility and novelty effects, and recommendations for sustainable integration of gamification. This study contributes to the field of higher education by offering practical evidence of how gamification supports student retention, reinforcing its value as a pedagogical tool for online learning environments.
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