Gamifying Dry Subjects: Exploring Educator Readiness using Korthagen’s Onion Model

Authors

Norazamimah binti Bogal

Business and Management Faculty, UiTM Melaka Alor Gajah Campus (Malaysia)

Nurul Aida binti Harun

Business and Management Faculty, UiTM Melaka Alor Gajah Campus (Malaysia)

Surya binti Ahmad Royali

Business and Management Faculty, UiTM Melaka Alor Gajah Campus (Malaysia)

Masliana binti Tamrin

Business and Management Faculty, UiTM Melaka Alor Gajah Campus (Malaysia)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.924ILEIID00111

Subject Category: Computer Science

Volume/Issue: 9/24 | Page No: 985-989

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2025-09-23

Accepted: 2025-09-30

Published: 2025-11-03

Abstract

Dry subjects are often taught through lectures and static case studies, resulting in low student engagement and surface-level understanding. The challenge is that students struggle to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications, especially in early-stage courses. Unfortunately, these subjects are often essential to a true understanding of the discipline, it is the fundamentals that they need to well verse before taking other intermediate or advance subjects. This study addresses how the successful implementation of gamification depends not only on instructional design but also on the readiness of educator. This conceptual paper explores the application of Korthagen’s Onion Model as a framework to understand and support educator’s internal and external dimensions in relation to gamification.

Keywords

Gamification, Dry subjects, Korthagen’s Onion Model

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