SESSION 1B

Robert Chasse, CET
Gamifying the International Student Experience

Abstract
This session will provide insight into the guiding principles of “engagement” which have contributed to the development of the CET Student Engagement Program. These principles have provided a framework for a gamified engagement program for university pathway and ELICOS students outside of the classroom.  To create an engaging environment which encourages students in educational and social progress, CET’s proactive, data-driven and evidence-based system accurately measures and tracks student participation in a suite of free activities meeting their various interests within three main learning communities (co-curricular, social and online). Activities are attributed points based on the mode of engagement, and the points are required to unlock levels and earn rewards within the program. Students are empowered to take responsibility for their own experiences by tracking and monitoring their engagement both retrospectively and predictively.  The theories of gamification and student engagement interact with the quantitative and qualitative data to inform a robust program which raises students’ metacognitive awareness about their actions, motivation and skills.

In the presentation, a rationale and overview of the program will be discussed as well as a before and after look at how the gamified program positively affected the three dimensions of student engagement (behavioural, emotional and cognitive) via quantitative participation data and qualitative student feedback. Additionally, correlations and interpretations between engagement outside of the classroom and academic achievement inside the classroom will be showcased along with recommendations for continued development at both an institutional and individual level.

Bio
Robert Chasse, the Education Manager Services at the University of Sydney Centre for English Teaching, holds qualifications in Linguistics, Public Relations and Management.  With over 10 years’ experience in the ELT industry as a teacher, manager and Academic Director, Robert combines management skills with educational and operational expertise to help ensure the sustainability and growth of CET.  Through a proactive, data-driven and evidence-based approach, Robert continually explores how utilizing new technologies in research and practice develops a meaningful engagement portfolio for international students.