Determining teachers' needs for gamification in education

Gamification is an approach that aims to promote more active participation in students' learning processes and enhance retention by increasing their motivation. With the integration of digital technologies into education, gamification practices are becoming increasingly prevalent both in instructional design and classroom implementation. This study aims to examine the purposes and frequency of teachers' use of gamification in their lessons, the gamification mechanics and dynamics they employ, their preferred digital platforms, and possible differences based on school types. Structured according to the explanatory sequential mixed methods design, the research first gathered quantitative data through a survey, which was later enriched through in-depth interviews. The findings reveal that teachers are willing to implement gamification but also indicate several needs in areas such as pedagogical planning, technical competency, and the use of digital content. In this regard, the study provides a foundation for identifying teachers' educational needs and developing recommendations for more effective integration of gamification in educational environments.