More Than Points and Badges: Narrative Experiences and Quantitative Results in a Gamified Calculus Course.

Abstract

Calculus teaching in engineering in Latin America faces challenges such as high failure rates and student disconnection. The study "More Than Points and Badges" analyses the impact of narrative gamification through a mixed-methods approach. Quantitatively, the "Path of the Integrator" intervention was evaluated in integration techniques using a quasi-experimental design. Qualitatively, student perceptions and emotional connections were explored. The results show high acceptance and a positive perception of the ludic methodology. Findings highlight a 95.3% increase in intrinsic interest and an 82% reduction in academic stress, boosting motivation and engagement. However, critical challenges were identified: 48% of participants were initially unfamiliar with the methodology, emphasizing the need for an introductory phase to establish the "ludic contract". Additionally, the importance of guaranteeing equitable conditions for all students and adjusting the feedback mechanism was detected, as 22% did not consider it useful for their formative process. In conclusion, narrative gamification is a powerful tool for transforming mathematics learning. Its optimal implementation requires clear socialization, an inclusive instructional design that mitigates negative competition, and a personalized feedback system.