In a classroom setting, giving children a sense of ownership over their learning can be a powerful motivator. It helps them feel more in control, more responsible and more invested in their success.
This is the thinking behind Core Drive 4: Ownership & Possession in the Octalysis gamification framework. Whether it’s earning rewards, customising avatars, or working towards their own goals, learners are more motivated when they feel like they’re building something that belongs to them.
At Sumdog, we tap into this core drive by creating opportunities for children to make choices, earn rewards, and track their own learning journey all while having fun.
Why ownership matters in gamified learning
Research shows that learners who feel in control of their progress are more likely to stay engaged and take initiative. In gamified environments, this is often achieved by giving players the freedom to:
-
Make decisions that affect their progress
-
Earn and use rewards in meaningful ways
-
Customise their experience to reflect their personality
Sumdog incorporates all of these elements in a way that’s simple, playful, and age-appropriate giving every child a chance to feel like their efforts count.
What this looks like on Sumdog
Here are just a few ways Sumdog helps children experience this powerful sense of ownership and autonomy:
💰 Earn coins by completing learning activities
Pupils earn coins for answering questions correctly on the first try, giving them instant, tangible rewards for focused effort and encouraging a real sense of progress.
🖌️ Customise avatars, houses and gardens
Children can spend their coins to unlock outfits and items for their virtual world, giving them control over a fun, creative space. This feature especially appeals to older children, who use their avatars as a way to express their individuality and creativity, making their learning experience feel more personal and meaningful.
🎯 Set their own learning goals
Pupils can see their weekly goal of 20 minutes and track how much time they’ve spent practising. This helps build positive habits and puts learners in charge of their own progress.
📈 Work on personalised questions
Sumdog adapts to each pupil’s ability, helping them experience success at the right level. This makes every session feel tailored and worth their time.
Teacher spotlight: Keeping children motivated with ownership
At Kinross High School in Scotland, teacher Kasia Learmonth has seen first-hand how giving pupils more ownership over their learning can help them stay engaged and motivated.
“The students love Sumdog, especially the coin rewards and game-based activities. One of my pupils calls it ‘productive learning’ because, while it feels like playing a game, he knows he’s actively improving his skills.”
– Kasia Learmonth, Classroom Teacher and Strategic Lead on Sumdog, Kinross High School
By combining game mechanics with personalised learning, Sumdog empowers pupils to take control - making every step feel rewarding and meaningful.
Takeaway tips for teachers
Want to encourage more ownership in your classroom? Here are a few ways to use Sumdog to support learner autonomy:
✅ Support pupils in scheduling their 20 minutes of learning across the week at their own pace
✅ Encourage them to personalise their avatar or house to reflect their achievements
✅ Celebrate the effort they’ve put in, not just the scores they achieve
✅ Support them in tracking their own progress and reaching their weekly learning goals
🌟 Ready to put these into practice? Log in and start today!
📬 Like this post?
Sign up to receive our latest blog posts straight to your inbox each month, packed with tips, research, and real stories from teachers using Sumdog.
