Prisms of Neuroscience: Frameworks for Thinking About Educational Gamification

Abstract

The mind, brain, body, and environment are inextricably interconnected. In the field of education, this neuropsychologically-backed claim suggests that to optimize learners’ (1) educational experiences, (2) retention of knowledge, and (3) creative use and application of knowledge beyond the classroom walls, teaching practices in all content areas must align with all parts of what makes us human. Unlike hardwired computers, our neuroplastic brains change with environmental interactions via our bodies. This article examines technology as an extension of cognition, where gamification emerges as a fundamental rather than supplemental tool for educators to co-construct knowledge with students. Gamification supports student learning and holistic well-being when considering affective, social, and motoric entanglements with cognitive processes. This article creatively employs five neuroscientific “prisms” to support and explain this humanistic claim. When synthesized, these refracted dimensions provide a framework for thinking about how, why, and when gamification functions as a valuable 21st-century educational tool.

Gamification in Education

“…Within the educational landscape, gamification's potential for transformative impact extends beyond merely making learning 'fun'. Research suggests that well-designed gamified environments can foster a range of cognitive and emotional benefits, such as enhanced problem-solving abilities, collaborative skills, and resilience in the face of challenges [11]. Further, gamification can be particularly potent in nurturing intrinsic motivation, thereby contributing to long-term engagement and learning gains [12,13].…”

Revitalizing a Transplantation Science Curriculum through Creative Technology Methods

“…A neuro-education researcher elaborated on the connections to the mind, brain, and learning science. Using the neuro-prisms framework [33], health and wellness connections foster lifestyle changes through registration as an organ donor. Spiritual connections in the neuro-prisms framework evoke a sense of awe about the human body and organ, eye, and tissue donation as an act that extends beyond the "self " for the greater good of humanity.…”

Neuroscience Support Gamification Improving Memory

“…Memory reflects the continuous representation of information, experiences or actions by the human brain [1] [2].It is the key for an individual to master a large amount of knowledge and skills, and is the basis for people to adapt to the environment for survival and development. Memory plays a crucial role in language acquisition and is at the core of speech acts and speech learning [3] [4].Memory, and ways of improving it, is an area that has been heavily studied in education, technology , neuroscience and now the fledgling field of educational gamification [5]. These fields that are jointly interested in investigating memory may have a new companion: gamification.…”

“…Research involving gamification has been widespread and shown a lot of promise in a variety of disparate areas. Between 25-33% of studies on gamification have been carried out in the context of education and these have produced some promising results [5] [11]. Gamification is a broad term that has been used to describe classroom learning applications, computer programs used in research and, more recently, internet-based applications that encompass a plethora of diverse activities and areas of focus [12].…”