IMPACT OF GAMIFIED ASSESSMENT TOOLS ON STUDENTS’ ANXIETY, MOTIVATION, AND PERFORMANCE IN WAEC MATHEMATICS PREPARATION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of gamified assessment tools on students’ mathematics anxiety, motivation, and academic performance during WAEC preparation in Northern Nigeria. Using a quasi-experimental design involving pre-test and post-test control groups, a total of 200 SS3 students were sampled from four co-educational public secondary schools. The experimental group was exposed to gamified assessment platforms such as Kahoot and Quizizz, while the control group received conventional paper-based assessments over a six-week period. Data was collected using validated instruments measuring mathematics anxiety, motivation, and WAEC mock performance. ANCOVA results showed that students exposed to gamified assessments had significantly lower anxiety, higher motivation, and improved mathematics performance compared to their peers in the control group. The findings suggest that gamified assessment is a viable pedagogical approach for addressing both effective and cognitive challenges in mathematics learning. The study recommends the integration of gamified tools into WAEC preparation programs, teacher training on digital pedagogy, and policy reforms that support technology-enhanced assessment practices. These results hold promise for improving mathematics outcomes across Nigerian secondary schools.