Persistence Through Play: Investigating Gamification’s Impact on STEM Engagement
For my topic of inquiry, I am interested in researching the impact of gamification on time on task in STEM education, specifically in highschool and college chemistry courses. This research is important to me because I want to help students stay on track toward their career goals, whether that means becoming a doctor, veterinarian, engineer, or pursuing another STEM field. Many students enter these disciplines with motivation and ambition but struggle with the demanding coursework. I want to explore ways to help them persist—not by making the material easier, but by making the learning process more engaging and sustainable.
STEM education is often more of a barrier than a bridge, preventing many capable students from reaching their goals. Chemistry, in particular, is a gatekeeper course that influences whether students continue in their intended careers. Many who start with strong aspirations end up switching fields because they find the coursework too overwhelming. If research shows that gamification can improve student engagement and persistence, it could provide practical strategies to support retention in these fields.
Gamification has the potential to help students stay engaged with difficult concepts instead of giving up when they face challenges. By incorporating elements like rewards, challenges, and progression mechanics, gamified learning could provide the motivation students need to continue working through complex material. If students stay engaged longer, they may develop better problem-solving skills, build resilience, and improve their chances of success in their chosen careers.
As I worked through the topic development activities in my 6512 course, I saw how focusing on time on task makes my research both practical and meaningful. Rather than simply looking at whether gamification makes learning more enjoyable, I want to examine whether it increases students’ sustained effort in mastering STEM content. In fields like medicine, engineering, and veterinary science, persistence and problem-solving skills are just as critical as intelligence. If gamification can help students maintain focus and overcome learning obstacles, it could positively impact their academic and professional paths.
It is important to approach this research with an objective and ethical mindset. While I value innovative teaching strategies, I must ensure my study fairly evaluates both the strengths and limitations of gamification. Students learn in different ways, and not all may find gamified elements effective. Understanding these differences will help create a balanced and practical approach to integrating gamification into STEM education.
Ultimately, this research is about helping students stay on the path to achieving their professional goals. Many aspiring doctors, veterinarians, and engineers struggle in STEM courses, not because they lack ability, but because they find the learning process overwhelming. My goal is to explore strategies that help students stay engaged and persist, even when coursework becomes challenging.
After refining my research focus, I believe the scope is well-balanced. It is not too broad, as it specifically examines gamification’s effect on time on task rather than general engagement or performance. At the same time, it is not too narrow, as it includes both quantitative measures (such as time tracking and academic performance) and qualitative insights (such as student perceptions and motivation shifts). The study is significant because it addresses a key challenge in STEM education—student retention in high-cognitive-load environments—which has implications for instructional design, institutional success, and student outcomes. It is also feasible, as data can be collected in college chemistry courses without major curriculum disruptions.
STEM careers are demanding but offer significant opportunities for those who persist. The world needs more professionals in these fields, and I want to ensure that students who have the passion and ability to succeed do not give up too soon. If gamification can help students stay focused, persist through challenges, and ultimately reach their goals, then this research has the potential to make a meaningful impact.
