Gamified Pedagogical Sequence and the Development of Research Competencies in Pre-Service Teachers: A quasi-Experimental Study at the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó Diego Luis Córdoba
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Keywords
Educational gamification, Research competencies, Teacher education, Quasiexperimental design, Higher education
Abstract
The development of research competencies in teacher education remains a significant challenge in higher education, particularly when students struggle to integrate problem formulation, theoretical grounding, and methodological coherence. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a gamified pedagogical sequence designed as an Escape Room on the strengthening of research competencies in pre-service teachers enrolled in Level VI of the Natural Sciences Education program at the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó Diego Luis Córdoba. A quasi-experimental single-group design with pretest–posttest measures (n = 13) was implemented, complemented by qualitative analysis of written projects and field journals. Results showed a statistically significant overall improvement with a large effect size, with greater gains in problem formulation and academic source management, and more moderate progress in methodological design and data analysis. The convergence of quantitative and qualitative evidence suggests that gamification, when structured as an intentional instructional mediation, can foster conceptual reorganization and enhanced research coherence. However, complex methodological competencies require sustained curricular support. The study provides contextualized empirical evidence for strengthening research training in higher education.
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Eduar Caicedo Suárez, Technological University of Chocó Diego Luís Córdoba, Colombia
Doctor of Education (University of Santander, Mexico). Master of Education (Technological University of Chocó Diego Luís Córdoba, Colombia). Specialist in Didactics and ICT (University of Cartagena, Colombia). Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry (Technological University of Chocó Diego Luís Córdoba, Colombia). Full-time adjunct professor and member of the Research Group on Education and Media at the Technological University of Chocó Diego Luís Córdoba.