Improving Motivation in Future Teachers: Flipped Classroom and Gamification Using Digital Badges

Abstract

Aim/Purpose This paper addresses the problem of low student engagement, motivation, and deep learning in traditional university teaching methods. It explores how integrating flipped classroom strategies and gamification through digital badges can effectively overcome some of these limitations.

Background With the consolidation of active methodologies in higher education, supported by blended learning environments and innovative tools, the flipped classroom and gamification have gained prominence as strategies to enhance participation and self-regulated learning. Yet, their joint application in teacher training programs remains underexplored, particularly regarding their impact on digital competence development.

Methodology The study employed a quantitative research approach, analyzing student performance data (grades, tasks completed, video viewing) and survey responses on perceptions of the teaching methods used. The research sample consisted of 63 first-year university students enrolled in an Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.

Contribution This paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of combining flipped classroom methodologies with gamification elements, specifically digital badges, in enhancing student motivation, engagement, and academic performance. It highlights how structured integration of technology-supported active learning strategies can successfully address challenges commonly associated with traditional educational methods.

Findings Students who participated in the flipped classroom model and earned digital badges demonstrated significantly higher academic performance compared to those who did not complete the full intervention.

The flipped classroom methodology was highly accepted by students, who perceived pre-class video viewing as more effective than traditional lectures.

Digital badges effectively increased student motivation and provided a clear visualization of their learning progress, encouraging higher engagement and course completion rates.

Recommendations for Practitioners Practitioners should integrate flipped classroom approaches with gamification techniques, such as digital badges, to boost student engagement, motivation, and academic performance. Additionally, they are encouraged to develop interactive multimedia content that clearly communicates learning progress and outcomes, thereby enhancing students’ active participation.

Recommendation for Researchers Researchers are encouraged to investigate further the integration of gamification strategies, such as digital badges, within flipped classroom models to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Impact on Society The wider implications are that adopting active, technology-supported methodologies, such as flipped classrooms and gamification, in higher education can significantly improve student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes, ultimately fostering essential digital skills among future educators and positively influencing teaching practices in broader educational contexts.

Future Research The future goal is to develop a more comprehensive badge system designed to engage students from the outset, particularly targeting those at risk of dropping out, by assigning badges to incremental achievements, such as completing individual lessons.