Gamification on Mathematics Engagement and Motivation in Secondary School and Higher Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of gamification on students’ motivation and engagement in mathematics at the secondary and higher education levels. A literature search (April 2025) followed by an updated search (November 2025) across ten databases identified 45 studies for qualitative synthesis and 11 for meta-analysis. The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines with a pre-registered protocol, and study quality was appraised with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Meta-analytic results using a three-level Correlated and Hierarchical Effects model with robust variance estimation showed a significant small-to-moderate positive effect on motivation (g = .383, 95% CI [.11, .66], p = .0218). Motivation was assessed more consistently than engagement that could not be included in the meta-analysis due to the lack of validated measures. The systematic review indicates that gamification supports motivation and engagement, with only four studies reporting negative effects. Most interventions used digital platforms (e.g., Kahoot!; Classcraft) and common game elements such as points, leaderboards and instant feedback. Overall, gamification appears promising for enhancing motivation and engagement in mathematics when designs are aligned with students’ needs, balancing competition with mastery and cooperation. Therefore, educators should limit excessive competition and prioritize personal progress and cooperative tasks that foster social interaction. Future studies should employ validated measures, larger samples, and examine both motivation and engagement to strengthen the evidence base and guide effective implementation in education.