Design, implementation and evaluation of an escape room as a didactic strategy in the teaching of food preservation methods

Abstract

Educational escape rooms or breakout activities aim to promote learning and the application of classroom-acquired knowledge through a playful methodology based on the resolution of riddles, puzzles, and progressive challenges oriented toward solving a given problem. The objective of the present study was to design, implement, and evaluate an educational escape room in the course Food Preservation Methods of the Technological Program in Food Processing at the Higher Technological Institute Sucre. An escape room entitled “Escapa del Lab” was designed, with challenges planned according to the expected learning outcomes of the course. The activity was implemented with students who had passed the course during the October–February 2024 academic period and with students enrolled in the September–January 2026 period. The educational experience was evaluated through students’ perceptions using the Gameful Experience Scale (GAMEX), as well as through a comparative analysis of academic grades among the study groups. The results showed a positive evaluation of the escape room, reflected in high scores in the dimensions of enjoyment, activation, and overall gameful experience. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in academic grades between the evaluated groups. In conclusion, the escape room represents an innovative and well-accepted pedagogical strategy that enhances the educational experience and student motivation, although its impact on academic performance was not significant in the short term.