Educators should aim for a balanced approach grounded in proven traditional methods but open to experimenting with new, research-informed strategies like gamification. Traditional methods provide structure, consistency, and have stood the test of time in building foundational skills. However, innovative approaches like gamification can boost engagement, motivation, and personalization especially for today’s digital-native learners. The key is to evaluate new methods critically, implement them intentionally, and adapt based on student needs and outcomes. Effective teaching isn’t about choosing old or new—it’s about choosing what works best for learning.

Abba Giza Well said—it's not about tradition versus innovation, but about being responsive and intentional. Blending time-tested methods with well-researched new strategies like gamification can create richer, more engaging learning experiences tailored to today’s learners.

Dear Prof. Tan!

You spotted a topic of primary importance. I agree with Dr. Abba Giza in the sense of reaching a balance between traditional and new methods of teaching and research. May I claim in addition that increasing the motivation of students is the key. Continuous discussion of emerging topics is a must:

1) Ren, X., Wu, M.L. Examining Teaching Competencies and Challenges While Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education. TechTrends 69, 519–538 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-025-01055-3, Open access:

Article Examining Teaching Competencies and Challenges While Integra...

2) Selina Michel, Manuel Förster,How to foster interdisciplinary project management efficacy beliefs in Challenge-based Learning? The role of attitudes and student engagement, International Journal of Educational Research, Volume 129, 2025,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102511, Open access: Article How to foster interdisciplinary project management efficacy ...

3) A case study Stelios, S., Tzavaras, P. and Theologou, K. (2025), ‘Working at My Own Pace’: Incorporating Blended Learning in an Engineering Ethics Course. Eur J Educ, 60: e70103. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.70103 Available at:Article ‘Working at My Own Pace’: Incorporating Blended Learning in ...

Sincerely, Bulcsu Szekely

Bulcsu Szekely

Dear Dr. Szekely,

Thank you for your thoughtful and generous reply. I wholeheartedly agree—student motivation is indeed central to successful teaching and learning, particularly in a time of pedagogical transformation. The articles you shared are excellent and timely—especially the focus on interdisciplinary engagement and adaptive learning pace, which align well with the values of flexibility and relevance that education must now embrace.

Continuous discussion of emerging topics, as you rightly emphasized, ensures that both educators and students remain dynamically attuned to the evolving demands of knowledge and society. I'm grateful for your insights and the scholarly references you've provided—they will certainly enrich this ongoing conversation.

Warm regards,

Kwan Hong Tan

Bulcsu Szekely Thank you for your insightful response and for expanding the conversation with such timely and relevant references. I wholeheartedly agree that student motivation plays a pivotal role in shaping effective learning outcomes. Your emphasis on continuous discussion of emerging topics aligns well with the evolving landscape of higher education, especially as we seek to strike the right balance between innovation and tradition.

Abba Giza Thank you for your excellent and timely contribution to this discussion. I agree and stand with you.