As educators get ready for the Back-to-School season, many are asking, How can we help students manage stress while improving learning outcomes? Academic stress and anxiety in the classroom is a common challenge among students, making it critical for educational technology to both support students’ wellbeing and academic progress.
In a new study published in Learning and Motivation, researchers at Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan examined the impact of Kahoot! on university students’ stress and anxiety levels, as well as their self-efficacy and academic achievement. They found that through Kahoot!’s playful learning approach, students experienced “significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety symptoms” compared to the control group that only learned through traditional instructional methods. Likewise, students who learned with Kahoot! showed a greater sense of self-efficacy (confidence in their ability to succeed) and higher academic performance.
One key reason for Kahoot!’s positive impact on students is explored in the link between interactivity in learning and students’ state of mind. As the study states, “Scholars have reported that learning with minimal interaction in the classroom can impede students’ concentration and motivation, and lead to an increase in learning anxiety and stress symptoms.” Kahoot! is designed to make it easy for everyone to participate, ensuring every student can be actively involved and engaged in the learning process. As students play Kahoot!, they sharpen their focus and test their knowledge in real time, helping them to reinforce their learning and gain confidence in their mastery of the subject.
The study concluded that university instructors should integrate playful learning into the educational experience, with Kahoot! as an effective solution to support students’ mental health and wellbeing in the classroom, as well as elevating their academic skills and knowledge.
Building trust with evidence-based learning
The findings of this study echo years of research on the learning benefits of Kahoot!. In particular, a 2020 literature review of nearly 100 academic studies similarly showed that, “Kahoot! has had a positive effect on learning performance, classroom dynamics, attitudes, and anxiety,” for students in both K-12 and higher education settings. A recent meta-analysis of independent, peer-reviewed research across primary, secondary, and tertiary education likewise underscored Kahoot!’s significant positive impact on students’ academic success, boosting student performance by a full letter grade.
At Kahoot!, we understand that evidence of learning benefits is essential when choosing digital learning solutions, and we are proud to say that Kahoot! is recognized as an evidence-based learning platform by renowned certifications and independent research. In addition to the millions of educators worldwide who use Kahoot!, these recognitions further confirm Kahoot! as a trusted tool for enhancing the learning experience.
If you’re ready to learn more about how you can help students reduce stress, rediscover their joy in learning, and take their academic achievements to new heights, explore Kahoot!+ for faculty or bring engaging learning campus-wide with Kahoot! EDU!
