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Escape Rooms as an Active Learning Didactic Strategy
competence, while strengthening professional identity and reflective prac-
tice (Fotaris et al., 2023; López-Pernas et al., 2019; Yllana-Prieto et al., 2023).
In line with these findings, broader research shows that well-designed
game-based learning environments enhance intrinsic motivation and sup-
port both cognitive and socio-emotional engagement when aligned with
curriculargoals(Fotaris&Mastoras,2019;Lozano-Monterrubio et al.,2024;Tri-
antafyllouetal.,2025; Zakaria&Zakaria, 2025;Veldkampetal.,2020).Teachers
play a crucial role as facilitators, guiding reflection and balancing collabora-
tion with healthy competition, which further reinforces learning outcomes.
Limitations
The study was conducted in four primary schools (N = 77), which limits gener-
alizability. Contextual differences may have influenced the results. Reliance
on self-assessment questionnaires captured perceptions rather than objec-
tive achievement; future studies should include teacher evaluations or per-
formance data. Only two implementation modes were compared, while vari-
ables such as group size, puzzle complexity, and debriefing were not exam-
ined. Longitudinal research is needed to determine whether motivational
and cooperative benefits persist over time.
Conclusion
This study confirms that both physical and virtual escape rooms are effective
didactic tools for enhancing motivation, engagement, and perceived knowl-
edge in science education. Although implemented in different formats, both
versions fostered curiosity, concentration, and cooperation, confirming that
the pedagogical value of escape rooms depends primarily on their design
rather than the medium.
Students identified teamwork, problem-solving, and the novelty of the ac-
tivity as key benefits, indicating that escape rooms support not only knowl-
edge acquisition but also the development of transversal competences such
as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. The findings suggest
that escape rooms offer a robust student-centered approach to active learn-
ing and can be successfully integrated into diverse educational contexts, in-
cluding digital learning environments.
Overall, the study provides evidence that escape rooms constitute a mean-
ingful and engaging learning method that connects cognitive, social, and
motivational dimensions. Their implementation can therefore enrich teach-
ing practice and support innovative forms of learning across educational lev-
els.
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