Level up your coding: a systematic review of personalized, cognitive, and gamified learning in programming education

Programming courses in computer science play a crucial role as they often serve as students' initial exposure to computer programming. Many university students fi nd introductory courses overwhelming due to the vast amount of information they need to grasp. The traditional teacher-lecturer model used in university lecture halls frequently leads to low motivation and student participation. Personalized gamification, a pedagogical approach that blends gamification and personalized learning, offers a solution to this challenge. This approach integrates gaming elements and personalized learning strategies to motivate and engage students while addressing their individual learning needs and differences. A comprehensive literature review analyzes 101 studies based on research design, intervention, outcome measures, and quality assessment. The fi ndings suggest that personalized gamification can enhance student cognition in programming courses by boosting motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. However, the effectiveness of personalized gamification depends on various factors, including the types of gaming elements used, the level of personalization, and learner characteristics. This article offers insights into designing and implementing effective personalized gamification interventions in programming courses. The fi ndings may inform educators and researchers in programming education about the potential benefits of personalized gamification and its implications for educational practice.