Revolutionizing pharmacology education: Comparing escape rooms and traditional learning on student engagement and well-being

INTRODUCTION

Higher education continually evolves, seeking innovative methods to engage students and enhance learning outcomes. This ongoing transformation reflects a dedication to adapting teaching practices to meet the evolving needs and expectations of modern learners. Innovation in education recognizes that traditional methods, though important, may not fully address the varied learning styles and potential of today’s students.¹ In this pursuit, educators in pharmacology are exploring unconventional approaches that not only impart knowledge but also address the holistic well-being of students.²

The academic journey of undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacology students is often accompanied by heightened levels of stress and anxiety.³ Recognizing these challenges, there is a growing interest in alternative pedagogical strategies that not only enhance understanding but also alleviate the emotional burdens associated with traditional teaching and assessment techniques.⁴

TRADITIONAL PHARMACOLOGY EDUCATION

Pharmacology, as a discipline, demands a deep understanding of complex molecular interactions, physiological processes, and the application of this knowledge in clinical scenarios.⁵ The conventional model of pharmacological education is characterized by a traditional lecture-based approach and supplemented with assessments involving written examinations and laboratory reports. Anxiety and stress, common companions in the academic journey, can impede cognitive function, hinder learning ability, and negatively influence overall academic performance.⁶ Against this backdrop, this review seeks to explore a novel avenue in pharmacology education—the integration of escape room-based learning.

Escape rooms, initially popularized as recreational activities, have gained traction in educational settings for their immersive and collaborative nature.⁷ This review examines how escape room-based learning and traditional assessments affect anxiety, stress, and engagement among pharmacology students.⁸ The rationale for examining escape room-based learning lies in its potential to address multiple dimensions of the educational experience [Figure 1].⁹

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Figure 1:

Escape room key dimensions.

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The variety of puzzles often requires diverse skill sets, promoting inclusivity and recognizing the strengths of each participant. The gamified nature of escape rooms makes learning enjoyable, potentially reducing anxiety associated with traditional assessment methods. These elements align closely with the skills essential in pharmacological practice, making escape room-based learning an intriguing prospect for supplementing traditional teaching methods.¹⁰ Understanding the emotional and cognitive implications of these pedagogical approaches is crucial for adapting engaging educational strategies.¹¹ Ideas for improving Pharmacology education will be uncovered by exploring how different teaching methods affect well-being of students.¹²

As we embark on this exploration, it is essential to acknowledge the dynamic nature of education and the diverse learning styles embraced by today’s students.¹³ By exploring the advantages of escape room-based learning, we aim to discover strategies for creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.¹⁴

INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS

The landscape of higher education has undergone a transformative evolution marked by a notable increase in the exploration of innovative pedagogical approaches.¹⁵ This shift is driven by a collective effort among educators to elevate student engagement and enhance overall learning outcomes. Educators are increasingly recognizing the necessity to cater to the diverse needs of students. The introduction of escape room-based learning represents a departure from conventional approaches, offering a unique method that captivates student’s interest and participation.¹⁶

EVOLVING HOLISTIC APPROACHES IN EDUCATION

Students, particularly in higher education, benefit significantly from actively engaging with the subject matter in a hands-on and dynamic environment.¹⁷ The experiential nature of this approach is deemed vital for fostering a deeper understanding of complex subject matter and enhancing long-term retention.

In essence, the integration of escape room-based learning represents a response to the evolving expectations of educators and the changing dynamics of the student body.¹⁸ By embracing unconventional yet effective methods, educators aim to create a more dynamic and engaging educational experience, fostering a learning environment that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures a genuine interest and comprehension of complex subject matter.¹⁹

TRADITIONAL ASSESSMENT METHODS AND THEIR LIMITATIONS

Numerous studies have investigated the impact of traditional assessment methods on students’ anxiety and stress levels.²⁰ The conventional approach of relying heavily on written examinations and laboratory reports has been critiqued for its potential contribution to academic pressure.

Students in pharmacology, facing the intricate nature of the subject, often experience heightened stress during traditional assessments, impacting their overall psychological well-being and potentially hindering academic performance.²¹

ESCAPE ROOM-BASED LEARNING

Escape room-based learning has surfaced as a progressive educational strategy, drawing inspiration from the recreational escape rooms that have gained popularity in leisure activities.²²

The essence of escape room-based learning lies in its ability to provide an interactive and participatory educational experience. Students are not passive recipients of information; rather, they become active participants in their learning journey.²³

In the context of teaching complex subjects such as pharmacology, the hands-on and experiential nature of escape room-based learning proves to be particularly compelling [Figure 2].²⁴ Students are challenged to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations, simulating scenarios they may encounter in their future professional roles. Here’s a detailed, imaginary escape room design for pharmacology students, incorporating various puzzles and tasks:

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Figure 2:

Escape room design.

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ESCAPE ROOM DESIGN

ANXIETY AND STRESS IN PHARMACOLOGY EDUCATION

The academic journey of pharmacology students is acknowledged to be inherently demanding, often leading to increased levels of anxiety and stress. Present literature in this area explores the sources of stress, including the challenging curriculum, rigorous assessments, and the pressure to perform well. Understanding the psychological challenges faced by pharmacology students is crucial for identifying interventions that can alleviate stress while maintaining academic rigor.²⁵

IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON ANXIETY AND STRESS

Research on interventions designed to reduce anxiety and stress in educational settings has gained prominence. The literature suggests that incorporating innovative teaching methods, such as escape room-based learning, can have a positive impact on students’ emotional well-being [Figure 3].²⁶ These interventions aim to create a more supportive and engaging learning environment, potentially mitigating the negative effects of stress on academic performance.

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Figure 3:

Escape room learning effects on anxiety, stress, and academic engagement.

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ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT IN PHARMACOLOGY EDUCATION

Academic engagement is a key factor in student success, and the literature emphasizes the importance of strategies that enhance students’ involvement in their learning.²⁷ Studies suggest that escape room-based learning not only reduces anxiety but also enhances academic engagement by making learning enjoyable and relevant. The interactive and dynamic nature of escape rooms fosters a sense of excitement and curiosity, promoting active participation in the learning process.

COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN EDUCATIONAL APPROACHES

Comparative studies that juxtapose escape room-based learning with traditional assessment methods are limited, but gaining traction. The literature suggests that such studies are essential in understanding the differential impact on anxiety, stress, and academic engagement. By comparing the two approaches, educators and researchers can glean insights into the efficacy of each method and make informed decisions about integrating innovative teaching strategies into the pharmacology curriculum.²⁸

PEDAGOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR PHARMACOLOGY EDUCATION

Synthesizing findings from the literature, it becomes evident that pedagogical considerations in pharmacology education should extend beyond content delivery to encompass the holistic well-being of students.²⁹ The balance between academic rigor and emotional support is crucial, and escape room-based learning represents a promising approach to strike this equilibrium. Educators need to consider the unique challenges of the pharmacology discipline and tailor teaching methods accordingly.

GAPS IN CURRENT RESEARCH

The current literature acknowledges the rising interest in novel pedagogical approaches, such as escape room-based learning, and their potential impact on student well-being and academic performance. However, a critical examination reveals a paucity of research that systematically analyzes and contrasts these innovative methods with conventional assessment techniques in pharmacology students.³⁰

The absence of direct comparisons between escape room-based learning and traditional assessment in the literature underscores a significant research gap, while individual studies may shed light on the efficacy of each approach independently. A comparative analysis is essential for a comprehensive understanding of their relative advantages and limitations. Such research could elucidate the nuanced effects on anxiety levels, stress management, and overall academic engagement, offering valuable insights for educators and institutions seeking evidence-based approaches.³¹

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Future exploration should focus on designing studies that directly address these gaps, employing robust methodologies, diverse participant groups, and longitudinal perspectives. This would contribute substantially to the existing knowledge base, providing a nuanced understanding of the potential benefits and challenges associated with escape room-based learning when compared with traditional assessment methods in the specific context of pharmacology education.³²

The exploration of innovative teaching methods, such as escape room-based learning, highlights the potential to enhance both student engagement and well-being in pharmacology education. By embracing these approaches, educators can create more dynamic and supportive learning environments that not only impart knowledge but also foster a deeper understanding and lasting interest in the subject matter. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to consider and integrate such methods to meet the diverse needs of modern learners.

A key area for exploration can also include integrating digital escape rooms enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) into pharmacology education. These innovative approaches could offer dynamic and engaging learning experiences compared to the traditional methods. By incorporating AI, digital escape rooms can provide personalized and adaptive challenges that cater to individual learning needs, further enriching the educational process. Embracing these advanced methods can create more interactive and supportive learning environments, improving both student engagement and well-being. As the educational landscape evolves, it is crucial to integrate such technologies to address the diverse needs of modern learners and enhance their understanding and interest in pharmacology.

CONCLUSION

Escape room-based learning offers a promising, innovative approach to pharmacology education, addressing both cognitive and emotional challenges faced by students. By promoting active learning, teamwork, and engagement, this method reduces stress and enhances understanding of complex pharmacological concepts. While traditional assessments remain integral, escape rooms present a dynamic alternative, fostering inclusivity and critical thinking.