Unlocking Learning: Utilizing Escape Room Concepts in Pediatric Physical Therapy Curriculum

• This course introduces the integration of escape room concepts into pediatric physical therapy curricula to enhance student engagement and critical thinking. Participants will explore the design and implementation of escape room experiences tailored to pediatric physical therapy education, immersing students in realistic challenges mirroring pediatric therapy settings. Key learning objectives include exploring the design and implementation of escape room experiences, brainstorming escape room puzzles to reinforce key concepts in pediatric physical therapy, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of escape room methodologies in enhancing student engagement, fostering teamwork, and promoting clinical reasoning skills. This course will be a training workshop introducing the application of escape rooms in pediatric physical therapy education. Discussion and presentation of escape experiences will be facilitated. The learner will participate in real-time escape puzzle examples, engage in assessment of activity effectiveness, and collaborate with other learners on developing prompts for effective escape room designs. Additional discussion on logistics, including time management, space requirements, and materials will be provided, as well as key take homes and resources for future application.