ACTIVE TEACHING METHODOLOGY EDUCATION – HUMAN EMBRYOLOGY: GAMIFICATION

Abstract

For a long time, the traditional teaching model positioned the teacher as the central figure and sole holder of knowledge in the classroom. Although this approach still persists in various educational contexts, new methodologies have been progressively incorporated, including in higher education. These pedagogical innovations aim to foster student autonomy, encouraging learners to take an active and leading role in the learning process. Among the non-conventional teaching strategies, game-based learning, known as gamification, stands out. This approach involves applying game elements in educational environments to enhance student motivation, engagement, and participation in learning activities. Accordingly, this study aimed to develop an educational game using gamification as a teaching strategy within the discipline of Human Embryology, in order to facilitate the acquisition of essential competencies in health education. Furthermore, it sought to report the successful experience of implementing a game-based intervention in an academic setting, with the goal of encouraging educators from other disciplines to adopt active learning methodologies in their teaching practices.