Gamifying mathematics education through Kahoot: Fostering motivation and achievement in the classroom

Abstract

This study investigates the usefulness of integrating the Kahoot application as an instructional tool to boost motivation and academic achievement among 10th-grade mathematics students in Abu Dhabi Emirate Schools. A sample of 60 10th-grade students was deliberately selected and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (30 students) instructed with Kahoot, or a control group (30 students) taught using traditional methods. A quasi-experimental approach was selected for this study to investigate a cause-and-effect relationship between the utilization of Kahoot in mathematical education and its impact on student motivation and academic achievement. A comprehensive statistical analysis, specifically employing an independent samples t-test for the motivation scale and a one-way ANCOVA for academic performance, revealed statistically significant differences favouring the experimental group. These results signify that Kahoot integration holds promise in positively influencing motivation and academic achievement for 10th-grade mathematics students in Abu Dhabi Emirate Schools. This research underscores the potential of Kahoot as a valuable educational tool, offering insights for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance student motivation and achievement through technology-integrated instruction.