Gamification as a strategy for the development of logical-mathematical thinking in basic education

Abstract

Gamification has established itself as an innovative pedagogical strategy in Primary Education, aimed at integrating game elements, mechanics, and dynamics into formal learning contexts to enhance motivation, active participation, and sustained student engagement. Its application in mathematics teaching has proven effective in promoting the meaningful development of cognitive skills and the growth of logical-mathematical thinking, through graduated challenges, immediate feedback, and progressive objectives that guide learning. This strategy meets the cognitive and motivational demands of contemporary students, who are accustomed to interactive and digital environments, overcoming the limitations of traditional instruction focused on mechanical repetition and routine exercises, which often lead to disinterest, mathematical anxiety, and low performance levels. Through a systematic bibliographic analysis, conceptual patterns, methodological trends, theoretical gaps, and empirical findings were identified, characterising the contribution of gamification to strengthening logical-mathematical thinking and highlighting advances, limitations, and challenges across different educational contexts. The implementation of gamified elements, such as progressive challenges, feedback systems, and rewards, supports the internalisation of concepts, stimulates reasoning and problem-solving, and consolidates gamification as a comprehensive and effective educational resource for developing mathematical competencies in Primary Education.