Enhancing Mathematical Motivation, Problem-Solving, and Cognitive Engagement of Pre-Service Teachers: A Metaverse-Based Adaptive Gamification Research and Development Study

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a metaverse-based adaptive gamified learning game to enhance mathematical motivation, problem-solving skills, and cognitive engagement of teacher education students. The research specifically sought to produce a valid, practical, and effective learning system that addresses low motivation, mathematics anxiety, and limited higher-order thinking skills commonly found in teacher education. Using a research and development (R&D) approach with a 4D model (define, design, develop, disseminate), the study integrated immersive digital environments with adaptive gamification strategies. The adaptive mechanism personalizes learning by dynamically adjusting task difficulty, feedback, and learning pathways based on students’ performance and progression. The learning content focuses on core elementary mathematics topics, particularly geometry and basic problem-solving concepts. The system was implemented over a six-week intervention period and evaluated using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design involving 60 teacher education students. Data were collected through expert validation, black box testing, practicality testing, and pre–post assessments. Validation results indicated high validity for material (90.90%), media (89.94%), and instructional design (90.40%). Black box testing achieved a 100% success rate, and practicality testing yielded an overall score of 90.17%, demonstrating strong usability. Effectiveness analysis revealed significant improvements across all measured outcomes (p < 0.001). The disseminate stage resulted in a finalized and classroom-ready learning product that is feasible for broader implementation in teacher education programs. These findings confirm that metaverse-based adaptive gamified learning can effectively enhance mathematics learning outcomes while strengthening digital pedagogical competencies aligned with Education 4.0.