A Training algorithm to reinforce generic competences in higher education students

Abstract

In recent years it has become notable that Colombian undergraduate students have deficiencies in generic competences such as languages, mathematics and quantitative reasoning. These competences are basic skills that students must develop throughout an undergraduate program. Moreover, these competences are determinants in students learning performance throughout an undergraduate program. In this paper, we propose a gamification strategy based on the self-determination theory as a tool to motivate undergraduate students to train and improve generic competences. Gamification has been successfully used in education on several occasions, however it has not been used to reinforce generic competences. Additionally, our strategy includes an approach to reinforce knowledge by identifying the weakest competences of a student and provide him/her with a possibility of training on specif subjects.