GAMIFICATION IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: A TOOL FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

The present study investigated how gamification has been used in teaching and what are the main challenges and benefits perceived in its application in the educational context. The general objective was to analyze the conceptions, challenges and benefits of gamification in teaching, focusing on the pedagogical practices of elementary and higher education. The methodology adopted was a bibliographic review, with qualitative analysis of articles, dissertations and theses related to the theme. The results indicated that gamification, when used appropriately, increased student engagement and motivation, in addition to contributing to the development of cognitive and social skills. However, challenges such as the lack of technological infrastructure and the resistance of some teachers were identified as obstacles to its implementation. The final considerations suggested that gamification has the potential to transform pedagogical practices, but large-scale adoption depends on investments in technology and teacher training. The need for further studies that can complement the findings and explore the long-term impact of gamification in different educational contexts was also highlighted.