Journal of Research in Instructional
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Research in Instructional

Gamification versus traditional teaching: Impacts on mathematics learning outcomes and engagement

Edy Sucipto (Universitas Negeri Malang)
Ibrahim Bafadal (Universitas Negeri Malang)
Siti Mas’ula (Universitas Negeri Malang)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examined the effectiveness of low-tech gamified mathematics instruction compared with traditional teaching in an Indonesian elementary school. Intact classes at SD Negeri 001 Tana Tidung (Sesayap, North Kalimantan) were assigned to gamification (n=47) or traditional (n=46). Both groups completed a 25-item pretest and posttest across 4–6 sessions. The primary outcome was posttest achievement analyzed with ANCOVA (covariate: pretest); secondary indicators were N-Gain, Hedges’ g, mastery (≥70), on-task engagement, and treatment fidelity. Results showed a significant group effect, F(1,89)=11.0, p=0.0012, partial η²=0.11. Adjusted means favored gamification (79.2; 95% CI [77.0, 81.4]) over traditional (72.7; [70.4, 75.0]), Δ=6.5; g≈0.70. N-Gain was 0.53 (gamification) vs 0.37 (traditional). Mastery reached 83.0% vs 63.0% (OR=2.60, 95% CI [1.20, 5.60]). Engagement was higher under gamification (78.6% vs 68.1%) and positively predicted posttest (β=0.28, p=0.004). Fidelity averaged 88% (κ=0.79). Findings indicate that progress- and process-oriented gamification with immediate feedback improves learning outcomes and classroom engagement, offering a feasible, scalable option for resource-limited settings.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jri

Publisher

Subject

Description

Journal of Research in Instructional is an Open Access Journal published by the Universitas Papua. Journal of Research in Instructional is regularly published bi-annually. By publishing bi-annually: June and December Journal of Research in Instructional is intended to communicate original researches ...