Escape Rooms and Students Competencies

This paper explores the potential impact of gamification on acquiring mathematical competencies in the context of Differential and Integral Calculus. Gamification, the incorporation of game design elements in educational settings, serves as a powerful pedagogical tool to enhance student engagement and motivation. By integrating game mechanics and challenges into the learning process, this approach aims to create an interactive and stimulating educational environment. The study examines how gamification can facilitate the understanding and application of calculus concepts, promoting critical thinking and mathematical competencies as outlined in Niss’s competency framework. In this study, students engage with calculus content through a series of carefully designed game-based activities and assessments. These activities are embedded within a narrative where students are tasked with planning and rebuilding a city devastated by a catastrophe. The primary educational objective is to master integral and differential calculus concepts through this immersive and interactive approach. According to Niss’s framework, competencies such as mathematical thinking, problem-solving and posing, modeling, reasoning, use of aids and tools, and communication are expected to be enhanced. The gamified approach also aims to improve collaborative learning and communication among peers, contributing to the development of essential soft skills. This paper proposes integrating gamification into the calculus curriculum, as the authors believe it will enhance mathematical knowledge acquisition and support proficiency in Differential and Integral Calculus. It offers insights into innovative pedagogical approaches for educators.