Abstract:

In today’s increasingly complex and fast-changing world, the importance of research extends far beyond traditional academic or laboratory settings. Research skills have become fundamental competencies across all 21st century professional sectors, industries and disciplines, as highlighted by the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) and respective framing under the European Competence Framework for Researchers (ResearchComp).

Notwithstanding, research competencies, within the scope of Vocational Education and Training (VET), do not seem to be sufficiently addressed and prioritised in broader EU policies, recommendations, or strategic plans. Its impact is reflected on disintegrated, unstructured and individualised efforts of VET providers and teachers in enhancing research competencies of students in their practice.

To address this gap, the paper introduces R-XSCAPE, a European and interdisciplinary-based initiative specifically designed to target a research mindset of next generational world and community leaders in VET. It is built under a 3-Way Strategic Action (Inspire-Experiment-Transform), aimed at motivating learners from untraditional career options; at connecting them with immersive learning experiences that simulate real world research challenges; and at empowering VET actors in becoming multipliers of project’s objectives and approach. Central to the project’s method is the “R-XSCAPE Game”, a carefully designed gamified educational resource, embedding concepts such as “educational rooms” and EU frameworks, such as “ResearchComp”, to strengthen students' research competencies and mindset.

The article further explores the value of R-XSCAPE Manual: Good Practices of Research, which aggregates the first major project’s deliverable. It reunites 25 pedagogical and teaching research-based practices across Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria and Romania, with potential to be transferred to different sectors, educational levels, subjects and gamified approaches. Because research competencies extend far beyond academia, the handbook represents a compendium of experiences for VET teachers and educators seeking to integrate new learning methods in their practice and shape the next generational leaders.

Jointly with other project’s key resources – R-XSCAPE Game and Train the Trainers Programme – and activities – Research Workshops, Escape Room Competitions and Capacity-Building for VET teachers -, R-XSCAPE anticipated outcomes include enhanced research competencies among VET learners, with measurable improvements in both academic and practical contexts, reinforcing the importance of research as a key component of vocational education. Through an interdisciplinary approach and an open-innovation framework, R-XSCAPE addresses the need for a more quality-driven VET education, focused on shaping future leaders in line with 21st-century market demands.

Keywords:

Research Competencies, Educational Escape Rooms, 21st Century Skills, Vocational Education and Training.