The Catalogers' Cup as a gamification strategy at the University of Costa Rica

Abstract

The article explores the Catalogers' Cup game as a teaching strategy in the Cataloging II course of the School of Library and Information Sciences of the University of Costa Rica. It highlights how educational games can increase motivation and improve active learning in university environments. The study uses a mixed methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected through student surveys and a focus group with the teachers who teach the course, covering 45 students between 2018 and 2023. The results show that the game not only facilitates the understanding of complex concepts, but also encourages teamwork and active participation. Students positively valued the integration of playful elements in their learning, while teachers highlighted the improvement in the retention of knowledge and practical skills. However, areas for improvement were identified, such as the need to adjust the difficulty of the exercises and the organization of the game. According to this, the Catalogers' Cup game is confirmed as an effective tool for learning cataloguing, suggesting its continuous implementation and the consideration of improvements.