A pilot escape room to improve database knowledge consolidation

Gamification strategies have proven to be effective in increasing student engagement and improving learning outcomes. In this study, we present an escape room activity designed for a database course in the Computer Science degree at our university. It serves as an innovative approach to reinforce key concepts presented during the semester, while enjoying the challenges proposed. The concepts covered include connecting to database servers, developing SQL basic and advanced queries, and auditing. Additionally, the activity reinforces essential workplace competencies, such as teamwork and performing under pressure due to the game's countdown mechanism.To evaluate the activity's effectiveness, we conducted a survey analyzing the students' perceptions of it, its impact on their understanding of course topics, and its influence on transversal skills such as teamwork. The results provide insights into the pedagogical value of game-based learning in database education and its potential to enhance both conceptual knowledge and professional skills