Design and Planning of the Implementation of an Educational Escape Room for Teaching Fundamental Electrical Circuit Analysis
T. Laencina-Santolaya, P.M. Lara-Santillán, M. Mendoza-Villena, C. Capellán-Villacián Department of Electrical Engineering, E.T.S.I.I., La Rioja University, Logroño (Spain) 2026-06-27

Abstract

In university-level Electrical Engineering education, establishing a solid foundation in electrical circuit theory is essential. Core subjects such as Electricity and Magnetism and Electrical Systems provide the basis for advanced courses including Electrical Machines, Power System Analysis, Renewable Energy Integration, and Power Quality studies. However, these foundational subjects are often perceived by students as abstract and mathematically demanding. Traditional lecture-based approaches, while necessary, are not always sufficient to foster deep conceptual learning. In recent years, active learning strategies grounded in gamification have gained increasing attention in higher education. Among them, educational escape rooms have emerged as innovative tools capable of fostering problem-solving skills, collaboration, engagement, and motivation. This paper presents the conceptual design and planning of an educational escape room aimed at supporting the teaching of fundamental electrical circuit analysis. Although the escape room has not yet been fully implemented, a rigorous evaluation framework based on a mixed-methods approach is proposed. Preliminary feedback from senior students involved in the pilot testing phase indicates a high level of acceptance and perceived educational value. The main contribution of this work lies in providing a transferable instructional design framework aligned with the educational interests of the ICREPQ community.

Key words: Electrical engineering education, educational escape rooms, active learning, circuit analysis, gamification.

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