Breaking out of the Classroom: Integrating Educational Escape Rooms in Undergraduate Nursing Education

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Title: Breaking out of the Classroom: Integrating Educational Escape Rooms in Undergraduate Nursing Education
Language: English
Authors: Tara Grier, Kristin Bassett
Source: Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. 2026 9(1):24-40.
Availability: California State University. 401 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802. Tel: 301-243-3307; Web site: https://journals.calstate.edu/elthe/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Nursing Education, Gamification, Game Based Learning, Skill Development, Cooperation, Problem Solving, Thinking Skills, Learner Engagement, Student Motivation, Program Development, Puzzles, Program Implementation, Program Effectiveness
ISSN: 2474-3429
Abstract: As the complexity of healthcare environments continues to grow, undergraduate nursing education must evolve to prepare students with the critical competencies required for modern practice. One innovative instructional strategy gaining momentum is the use of educational escape rooms. An immersive, gamified learning experience promotes student engagement, clinical reasoning, and knowledge retention. Grounded in experiential learning theory and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, educational escape rooms connect theory and practice by promoting collaboration, problem‑solving, and clinical reasoning and judgment in realistic, low‑stakes scenarios. This article offers a pedagogical guide and explores the theoretical foundations, challenges to student engagement, benefits of interactive learning, design methods, and practical implementation strategies for integrating educational escape rooms into undergraduate nursing education. Key considerations include aligning puzzles with learning objectives, ensuring inclusive design, facilitating effective debriefing, and evaluating outcomes through formative and reflective assessments. Educational escape rooms enhance motivation and teamwork, supporting the development of essential clinical skills in a dynamic and meaningful context.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Access URL: https://journals.calstate.edu/elthe/article/view/6334
Accession Number: EJ1499754
Database: ERIC
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  Data: California State University. 401 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802. Tel: 301-243-3307; Web site: https://journals.calstate.edu/elthe/
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Undergraduate+Students%22">Undergraduate Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Nursing+Education%22">Nursing Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Gamification%22">Gamification</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Game+Based+Learning%22">Game Based Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Skill+Development%22">Skill Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Cooperation%22">Cooperation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Problem+Solving%22">Problem Solving</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Thinking+Skills%22">Thinking Skills</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learner+Engagement%22">Learner Engagement</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Motivation%22">Student Motivation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Development%22">Program Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Puzzles%22">Puzzles</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Implementation%22">Program Implementation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Effectiveness%22">Program Effectiveness</searchLink>
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  Data: As the complexity of healthcare environments continues to grow, undergraduate nursing education must evolve to prepare students with the critical competencies required for modern practice. One innovative instructional strategy gaining momentum is the use of educational escape rooms. An immersive, gamified learning experience promotes student engagement, clinical reasoning, and knowledge retention. Grounded in experiential learning theory and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, educational escape rooms connect theory and practice by promoting collaboration, problem‑solving, and clinical reasoning and judgment in realistic, low‑stakes scenarios. This article offers a pedagogical guide and explores the theoretical foundations, challenges to student engagement, benefits of interactive learning, design methods, and practical implementation strategies for integrating educational escape rooms into undergraduate nursing education. Key considerations include aligning puzzles with learning objectives, ensuring inclusive design, facilitating effective debriefing, and evaluating outcomes through formative and reflective assessments. Educational escape rooms enhance motivation and teamwork, supporting the development of essential clinical skills in a dynamic and meaningful context.
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 17
        StartPage: 24
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Undergraduate Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Nursing Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Gamification
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Game Based Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Skill Development
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Cooperation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Problem Solving
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Thinking Skills
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Learner Engagement
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Motivation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Program Development
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Puzzles
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Program Implementation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Program Effectiveness
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: Breaking out of the Classroom: Integrating Educational Escape Rooms in Undergraduate Nursing Education
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            NameFull: Kristin Bassett
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              Y: 2026
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