In any learning environment, giving children the chance to explore ideas, take risks, and express themselves can unlock deeper engagement and independent thinking.
In gamification theory, this is captured in Core Drive 3: Empowerment of Creativity & Feedback. It’s the motivation that comes from being able to make meaningful choices, experiment with solutions, and learn through trial and error all while receiving feedback that helps you improve.
At Sumdog, we build this into our platform by encouraging creativity, curiosity, and self-expression helping every child feel like an active participant in their own learning journey.
What is Core Drive 3?
Core Drive 3 is about giving learners autonomy and agency. In games, this often shows up when players get to customise their experience, discover new strategies, or receive immediate feedback that helps them adapt.
In education, this drive can be incredibly powerful. When pupils feel like they have room to think independently and try out new approaches without the fear of failure, they become more confident and engaged. And when they receive real-time feedback, they can make meaningful improvements as they go.
How Sumdog Encourages Creativity and Feedback
We know that every child learns differently and feels motivated by different things. That’s why Sumdog includes a variety of creative and responsive features to support this core drive.
🎨 Personalised avatars and customisation
Children can design their own avatar, house, and garden, using coins they earn through effort and progress. This creative freedom gives pupils a sense of ownership over their learning experience.
🎮 Multiple strategies, multiple games
Sumdog’s games allow for different approaches and thinking styles. Whether solving maths problems quickly under pressure or taking a more methodical route, pupils can choose the strategies that suit them best.
📈 Real-time feedback and encouragement
Instant feedback helps learners see when they’ve got something right or where they’ve gone wrong so they can improve on the spot. This keeps the learning loop active and supports a growth mindset.
Teacher Spotlight: Creativity Meets Confidence
After speaking to a teacher from another school who suggested they try Sumdog, Radipole Primary School in Weymouth was quickly won over by how fun and engaging the games were.
“The children particularly love the avatar, house and garden features which motivates them to complete their maths work and earn coins to spend.”
Philip Bowden, Year 4 Teacher, Maths Lead and Phase Lead, Radipole Primary School, Weymouth
This kind of creative autonomy helps pupils feel more connected to their learning journey. When they can personalise their experience and receive immediate feedback, they’re more likely to stay engaged, keep practising, and take pride in their progress.
Takeaway Tips for Teachers
Here are some ways you can support creativity and feedback-driven learning in your classroom with Sumdog:
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Let pupils explore and customise their avatar, house and garden. It gives them space to express themselves and feel ownership over their learning.
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Use Coins and Rewards to celebrate effort and progress. Even small wins can make a big difference in motivation.
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Encourage children to reflect on their learning journey by reviewing their answers and accuracy in Sumdog’s activity reports.
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