Can an Escape Room Help You Become a Critical Thinking Dynamo?

Critical thinking is one of those concepts that’s touted all around as indispensable for both kids and adults. But how important is it? Well, it turns out it’s vital. Critical thinking allows kids to look at a problem at school — from math to literature — and find a solution. It also helps out when you’re at your job, and your supervisor plops a big, fat project into your lap. What are you going to do? Say no? Absolutely not. Because you are a critical thinker — at least, you could be.

If you feel like critical thinking is one of those skills you just missed the boat on, it turns out there could be a fun way to turn that around. Schools around the nation are taking advantage of the escape room craze to help their students develop in this brain-busting area. Just think, an outing to Exit Strategy Games in Elk Grove could help you fire up those neurons and improve this vital skill.

What Is Critical Thinking and How Will It Help You?

If you read the definition of critical thinking, you’ll find that it’s, well, boring. Blah blah blah — objecting analysis — blah blah — using facts to form a judgment. Let’s break it down, shall we? When you practice critical thinking, it means you’re asking the right questions. Questions that help you stay engaged no matter the situation.

We always were told at school there’s no such thing as a dumb question. It turns out that’s true. When you practice critical thinking, you become the judge and jury of any situation in your life. That means:

• Evaluating evidence
• Seeing if the arguments of others hold any water
• Adapting the way you think to any given situation

Critical thinking is a highly praised quality in the classroom, the workforce and even in high-pressure situations like the military because those who have mastered it can’t be contained. No one puts baby in a corner when you are a critical thinker. You are creative and begin to see things from every angle before making a hasty decision.

When you master critical thinking, challenges are no longer a threat. They become an exciting opportunity to show off how your unique brain works, allowing you to become more confident and take a stand for what you think is right.

Wow, that’s some pretty heavy stuff. But where do escape rooms fit into all this?

How Escape Rooms Get Your Critical Thinking Juices Flowing

To develop critical thinking, you need opportunities that put your brain to the test. You need to master the art of thinking through problems. Escape rooms offer just such an occasion. They’re built on a simple premise — you’re trapped in a room using hidden hints and your smarts, and you’ve got a set amount of time to get out.

And — go. The clock starts ticking down, and you’ve got to work with your team to find clues, solve puzzles and escape.

Today, people are finally beginning to understand that hearing information and trying to memorize stuff isn’t the way everyone learns. Whether you’re a kid or a worker at a nine to five job, you’re more likely to retain knowledge by doing something related to it. It’s called active learning.

As you work through the puzzles of an escape room, you develop key critical thinking skills, like:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creative problem-solving
• Thinking outside the box
• Adaptability
• Reflection
• And so much more

Maybe that’s why teachers are beginning to incorporate escape rooms into their curriculum. Escape rooms aren’t stodgy lessons you have to write down in a three-ring binder. They’re real-life experiences that let you live an adventure while working out your brain at the same time. As an added bonus, they’re super fun.

Start Practicing Your Critical Thinking Skills at Exit Strategy Games

Attention schools, businesses and anyone who wants a fun adventure in Elk Grove or the Sacramento area. Exit Strategy Games is the perfect place to start firing up those neurons so you can get your critical thinking skills up to snuff.

Want to start impressing your boss at work? Why not practice the great escapes we offer on the weekends? Are you looking for a fun class field trip for your high schoolers or maybe a corporate team building activity? Come one, come all. Book your escape room today.