Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills: The Synergy of Competitive Programming and Gamification Strategy

In undergraduate courses, there is a wide diversity of approaches to teaching various subjects, ranging from the more traditional methods to the utilization of digital media. Students' learning styles and motivational triggers for learning vary from one group to another. It is essential to understand the types of students in order to formulate a strategy that motivates and inspires them to learn effectively. Computer Science students should develop problem-solving skills. To acquire this competency, students must develop algorithmic thinking and not merely understand the syntax of a programming language. The most direct and effective way to obtain this competency is through practice. Students should be motivated by a learning strategy that takes advantage of their potential and enables them to engage in learning through appropriate activities. Gamification is a learning strategy that employs games within the educational environment to enhance student learning, reinforce knowledge, improve skills, or reward specific actions, among other objectives. The gamification strategy aims to motivate students, develop a better commitment in them, and foster the spirit of self-improvement. Under this context, Competitive Programming enablesstudents to engage in problem-solving using advanced programming algorithms, enhancing their skills in amotivational environment. During competitions, they face real problems, realizing the applications of what they have learned, having the possibility to deepen their knowledge because they have to solve a problem in the most efficient way. The specific objective of this study is to use competitive programming as a gamification strategy in computer science groups to enhance problem-solving skills. The study demonstrates a substantial increase in students' motivation and learning. It illustrates that this learning strategy encourages students to learn more effectively in Computer Science courses.