Flee boring explanations of explanations: Using escape rooms to teach communication theory

Abstract

Communication theory can be challenging to teach in an engaging manner. The following original teaching activity suggests a way to incorporate the phenomenon of escape rooms into your theory classroom. Courses Communication Theory, Introduction to Communication. Objectives In this activity, students will apply the basic tenets of several communication theories—emotional contagion, cultivation theory, exemplification theory, and politeness theory—in solving a puzzle. Students will also apply theory by examining their own group processes during the activity through the lens of the functional perspective on group decision making.