A design framework for educational escape rooms in STEM: CREATE

Background: As STEM education evolves, there is an increasing demand for innovative pedagogical tools that not only engage students but also enhance their learning experiences. Educational escape rooms (EERs) have shown promise in meeting these demands by combining enjoyment with effective educational strategies.Purpose: This paper introduces the CREATE framework, a novel approach designed specifically for developing EERs in STEM education. The framework aims to integrate core pedagogical principles with the engaging mechanics of escape rooms to enrich learning outcomes.Sample: While this paper does not focus on a specific sample in empirical research, it addresses the broader academic community involved in STEM education, including educators, curriculum designers, and educational researchers.Design and Methods: The CREATE framework is described through its six key components: Content Integration, Real-world Engagement, Educational Alignment, Adaptability and Accessibility, Teamwork and Communication, and Evaluation and Feedback. Each component is supported by relevant educational theories which guide the design and implementation, ensuring the EERs align with educational standards and learning objectives in STEM.Results: The framework was conceptualised to facilitate the creation of EERs that are theoretically sound and pedagogically effective. The paper provides a theoretical basis and design methodology expected to enhance the educational impact of escape rooms.Conclusion: The CREATE framework offers a scalable and theory-based approach to enhance STEM education through EERs. It holds significant potential for educators seeking to innovate and improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Future research should focus on empirical validation of the framework across various educational settings to substantiate its effectiveness and adaptability.