Using the Escape Room game-based approach in chemistry teaching

Abstract

In recent years, the Escape Room approach has been applied in teaching of various content. Aside from being enjoyable, the Escape Room activities actively involve all students in the class and promote their creative, critical and logical thinking, problem solving, communication and cooperation, as well as positive attitude towards the subject. To encourage the engagement and motivation of ninth-grade students, activities were developed regarding the topic of exothermic and endothermic reactions, through the use of Google Forms and Breakout Rooms option in MS Teams. The application of this approach helps students to master the teaching content in a more interesting way, encourages discussion and cooperation among students. 244 9th grade students from five primary schools participated in the research. Apart from encouraging engagement and motivation among students, one of the objectives of the research was to examine their opinions regarding the implemented Escape Room activities. For this purpose, the motivation of students towards Science Learning (SMTSL) and Activity Perception Questionnaire (APQ-ER) instruments were implemented. The research results, positive atmosphere during the classes, and high students’ satisfaction after completing the activities indicate numerous benefits of the implementation of the Escape Room approach in chemistry teaching.