Journal of New Advances in Educational Management

Journal of New Advances in Educational Management

Investigating the Impact of Gamification on Enhancing Student Participation in Waste Management (A Case Study of Sixth-Grade Students in District One of Bandar Abbas)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
marjan zahedian 1
mohammad khorsshidsavar 2
1 Department of Educational Technology and Innovative Educational Industries, BA.C.,Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
2 Department of Educational Governance and Human Resources, BA.C.,Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran
10.22034/njournal.2025.553450.1079
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of gamification on waste management among sixth-grade students in District 1 of Bandar Abbas. The research design was quasi-experimental, utilizing a pretest-posttest format with a control group. The statistical population included all sixth-grade elementary students in District 1 of Bandar Abbas, from whom 30 students were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 students each). The experimental group was instructed using the gamification method, while the control group received traditional lecture-based instruction. Data were collected using the Jafari Waste Behavior Questionnaire (2021) and analyzed using covariance analysis (ANCOVA) with SPSS version 25. The results indicated that the use of gamification significantly increased students’ motivation and participation in activities related to waste management. Specifically, this approach—by providing immediate feedback, creating competitive and group incentives, and facilitating the learning of environmental concepts—led to improved environmental behaviors and increased participation in waste management activities. This study highlights the necessity of utilizing innovative educational methods, particularly gamification, for teaching environmental issues and promoting a culture of environmental protection in schools. Its findings can serve as a basis for the development of similar programs in other schools and communities.
Keywords
Gamification
Waste Management
Environmental Education
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  • Receive Date 24 August 2025
  • Revise Date 10 September 2025
  • Accept Date 18 September 2025
  • Publish Date 23 September 2025