Conhecimento em jogo: a gameficação como prática pedagógica para o ensino de História de São José de Ribamar/MA

Abstract

In light of the contemporary challenges faced by schools including the need to adapt to new social and educational demands this research aimed to develop a board game focused on the history of São José de Ribamar, Maranhão (MA), Brazil. The proposal seeks to integrate social, economic, and geographic aspects of the city, with an emphasis on its religious, cultural, and leisure dimensions, as a pedagogical practice for teaching History in basic education. This study is justified by the need to make teaching more dynamic and engaging, fostering innovation and active methodologies through the use of gamification as an educational tool to promote student engagement. The study adopts a documentary and bibliographic approach, involving a literature review based on the analysis of books, theses, and dissertations, as well as historical documents and the mapping of information about local history. To contextualize the game, field research was carried out during its development, including the design of the physical aspects of the board, the creation of rules and challenges, and the elaboration of the layout. The educational product was implemented with ninth-grade students from a public municipal school in São José de Ribamar. Student participation in game sessions made it possible to assess their engagement and interaction. The results include improved learning outcomes, the strengthening of students’ local identity, and the appreciation of São José de Ribamar’s history—contributing to the formation of critical and participatory citizens. The research demonstrates that the use of games as a pedagogical resource can enrich teaching practices and innovate the teaching of History, promoting a more inclusive and meaningful education.