The aim here is to allow learners to take ownership of the experience while ensuring that the learning process remains inclusive, safe and productive.

Act as an observer, supporter and guide during gameplay

This is more important than acting as a leader. Create a psychologically safe environment, where mistakes are seen as part of learning. This is essential for maintaining engagement and confidence.

Observe participation, communication, decision-making and teamwork

Pay attention to how the group works together. This includes observing communication patterns, collaboration and how decisions are made. Notice whether all participants are involved or whether some are dominating while others remain passive.

Watch for signs of frustration, stress, or exclusion

Frustration is a natural part of problem-solving and should not be avoided entirely. You must recognise when frustration becomes counterproductive.

The following signs indicate that support may be needed:

• Repeated arguments
• Withdrawal
• Visible stress
• Loss of motivation

In these situations, intervene calmly, acknowledge the challenge and encourage teams to pause, reassess or try a different approach.

Encourage quieter participants and maintain a safe learning environment

Observe role distribution, such as who takes initiative, who analyses information and who coordinates tasks. This provides valuable insight into group dynamics and learning behaviours.

Avoid solving puzzles or taking control of the activity

Don’t become a problem-solver. The puzzles and challenges are for the players to solve.

Use calm reminders to help teams manage time effectively

Escape games are designed to create a sense of urgency, which can increase engagement but may also lead to stress. Help groups remain aware of time without adding pressure. Help teams refocus if they become stuck on one task for too long or lose track of the overall goal.

Ensure that inclusion remains a priority

All participants should feel welcome to contribute and no one should be excluded due to confidence levels, language barriers or different learning styles. Use subtle encouragement or redirection to help balance participation without disrupting the flow of the game.