Gamificación para Fortalecer la Comprensión Lectora en Estudiantes de Educación Básica en Ecuador: Revisión Sistemática

Justification: Reading comprehension difficulties among basic education students have driven the search for pedagogical strategies such as gamification; however, their effectiveness depends on the specific characteristics of the context in which they are implemented. Objective: Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature published between 2020 and 2025 on gamification strategies used to strengthen reading comprehension among basic education students in Ecuador and to analyze the reported results regarding their effectiveness. Methodology: The study was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was carried out in the Scopus, SciELO, Redalyc, DOAJ, and Latindex databases. A total of 34 records were retrieved, of which 12 studies were selected for analysis. Results: Findings indicate that gamification strategies were mainly developed through digital resources and structured instructional sequences integrating challenges, feedback, rewards, points, levels, badges, narratives, progression systems, and collaborative activities. Regarding effectiveness, the studies reported improvements in literal, inferential, and critical reading comprehension, with greater progress in inferential and critical processes. In addition, increases were found in motivation, participation, engagement, and interest in reading. Conclusion: The findings support the favorable effects of gamification in strengthening reading comprehension among basic education students in Ecuador.