A Gamification Framework for Long-Term Engagement in Education Based on Self Determination Theory and the Transtheoretical Model of Change

Abstract

Long-term engagement of students in educational processes is crucial for learning success. However, a high degree of motivation is needed to stay focued on tedious tasks like homework, learning vocabulary, repeating grammar or doing exercises on a regular basis. Many students lose interest quite soon. Gamification has proven to help improve intrinsic motivation, but not all gamification experiments ended successfully. This paper introduces a gamification framework for long-term engagement based on two theories: Self Determination Theory (SDT) to improve intrinsic motivation and the Transtheoretical Model of change to consider criteria that support long-term behavior change. The framework defines a basic gamification structure that can easily be adapted to completely different gamification experiences.