WIP: DBWorkout: A Gamified SQL Practice Platform to Support Formative Learning in Database Courses

Abstract

This research WIP paper presents DBWorkout, a web-based platform that supports formative SQL learning through sandbox-based execution, automated result-based feedback, and session-based gamification. Learning Structured Query Language (SQL) remains challenging for undergraduate students due to limited opportunities for interactive practice and immediate feedback. Students iteratively practice SQL on live database instances while receiving multi-dimensional feedback on query correctness, including row values, column structure, and ordering. To reduce instructor workload, DBWorkout incorporates large language model (LLM)-assisted tools for schema and task generation within a human-in-the-loop workflow. A pilot study with teaching assistants and a classroom deployment involving 170 undergraduate students across two in-class sessions show strong perceived learning value (90% agreement) and engagement (87% enjoyment), alongside low reported pressure (22%). However, only 42% of students found the automated feedback sufficiently actionable, a finding independently corroborated by 40% of open-ended responses raising feedback quality concerns, providing cross-method triangulation of this gap. These findings demonstrate the technical feasibility and early pedagogical potential of DBWorkout while identifying directions for enhancing feedback quality and supporting sustained SQL learning.