In the context of an active learning process, this study investigated the short-term and long-term academic performance of students in two practical sessions of the Histology course, which included an escape room activity. The impact of this approach on motivation and knowledge retention was also assessed. Students were divided into a control group, which followed a traditional teaching methodology, and an experimental group, which participated in the escape room activity. The results revealed significant improvements in post-intervention grades in the experimental group. Additionally, the study assessed students' perceptions of the escape room experience, which showed highly satisfactory evaluations.

KEY WORDS: Gamification in education; Histology teaching; Student Motivation; Learning retention.