Modelo Gamificado con Estrategias Lúdicas para Fomentar el Pensamiento Crítico en Estudiantes Rurales

This research aims to design a gamified model with playful-didactic strategies to enhance critical thinking among rural primary school students in Anorí, Colombia. A mixed-methodological approach was utilized, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques including interviews, surveys, and classroom observations, involving students and teachers from the Madreseca Rural Educational Center (CER) and its associated branches. Findings indicate that gamification significantly increased student motivation and participation. Additionally, there was notable improvement in key skills such as argumentation, problem-solving, and critical analysis. The study concludes that implementing gamified strategies offers a practical and effective solution for overcoming educational limitations in rural contexts, providing teachers with useful and accessible pedagogical resources. This model positively impacts academic development and integrally prepares students to face daily challenges through essential cognitive competencies for lifelong learning.