Kamal G.2026-10-202026-10-202026Kamal G / Leveraging Gamification to Foster Critical thinking and Problem-solving skills in Chemistry Education in High school / SDU University / Department of Pedagogy of Natural Scienceshttps://repository.sdu.edu.kz/handle/123456789/2680This study examined the effectiveness of gamification in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in high school chemistry education in Qazaqstan. Using a mixed-method design, 92 participants across three school settings were divided into experimental and control groups. Mann-Whittney U tests revealed statistically significant differences in post-test scores in favor of the experimental group across all contexts (p < 0.05; critical thinking skill: U = 475, p < 0.001; problem-solving skill: U = 221, p < 0.001). Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews supports these findings, with participants reporting enhanced motivation and deeper cognitive engagement. The study concludes that gamification is an effective pedagogical strategy for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in high school chemistry education.engamificationcritical thinking skillproblem-solving skillchemistry educationchemistryThesis