From Play to Knowledge: Gamification as a Tool for teaching Complex Concepts in Veterinary Physiology

In the evolving landscape of higher education, innovative teaching strategies are essential to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This study explores the effectiveness of gamification and creative methodologies in teaching complex concepts in veterinary physiology. Specifically, it evaluates two educational tools implemented in the Veterinary Medicine program at Alfonso X el Sabio University: a card game titled Guardians of Membrane Transport, designed to teach membrane transport mechanisms, and a comic-based assignment aimed at developing scientific referencing skills. Surveys conducted before and after the activities assessed students’ perceptions of engagement, understanding, and motivation. The results revealed a significant improvement in students' perceived learning and enjoyment with both activities. The card game notably enhanced students’ comprehension and interest in physiology, while the comic approach increased motivation and was considered more effective than traditional written assignments. Although these methodologies had a limited impact on long-term motivation towards complex subjects, they proved to be powerful tools for short-term engagement and learning. The findings underscore the value of integrating gamified and creative strategies into a broader pedagogical framework to foster meaningful learning experiences in veterinary education.