THE IMPACT OF GAMIFICATION ON LEARNER ENGAGEMENT IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Abstract

This study explored learners' perceptions, measured engagement levels, and evaluated the effectiveness of gamified training methodologies within skill development programs. Specifically, the research sought to answer how learners perceive the usability and relevance of gamified features, to quantify their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive engagement, and to assess the impact of these programs on knowledge retention and overall performance improvement. The methodology employed a descriptive quantitative research design, utilizing a structured survey instrument to gather data on the key study variables. The sample for the study consisted of 150 learners currently participating in skill development programs that utilize gamified training modules. Descriptive statistics were the primary analytical tool used to calculate means and standard deviations across multiple metrics, providing a detailed profile of learner perceptions, engagement levels, and the program’s perceived effectiveness across various dimensions. Results indicate that while the gamified training is effective at stimulating curiosity, it struggles with core usability, quality of feedback, and emotional engagement. The overall impact is moderate, with high variability in learner experience. Strategic recommendations focus on prioritizing interface redesign and enhancing diagnostic feedback to remove structural barriers and drive deeper behavioral investment.