The Influence of Gamification of the Educational Process on the Cognitive Development of Students while Learning English

The master's thesis is devoted to the study of the influence of gamification on the cognitive development of students while learning English. Gamification as the main trend in education opens up new perspectives for teaching English and allows to transfer knowledge in an interactive form. The scientific literature in the field of cognitive science suggests that special attention should be paid to the development of cognitive abilities in the secondary school. During this period of growing up the human brain is the most flexible and receptive to the acquisition of new knowledge and meaningful skills. In the master's thesis, we analyzed the gamification model of Yu-Kai Chou «Octalisis». The main drivers of the model motivate students to learn. Based on the data obtained, we concluded that the real interest of students in gamification stimulates the development of cognitive abilities and the desire to acquire new knowledge while learning English. Having considered the peculiarities of gamification, the «Octalisis» model and gamification platforms, we have developed the didactic material «Gamifying!» for English teachers. The didactic material includes meaningful information about gamification, recommendations for successful class gamification and possible platforms to use in English lessons. In the practical part of the master's thesis, we have determined that gamification of the educational process has a positive effect on the cognitive development of secondary school students. Gamification affects the process of memorization, the development of thinking, imagination, perception and attention. Our research suggests that gamification is the future of education, which paves the way for cognitive development of students. Key words: gamification; education; gamification platforms; innovative teaching; English language.