Emerging Approaches, Innovation and Sustainability in Higher Education Teaching and Learning

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, "Emerging Approaches, Innovation and Sustainability in Higher Education Teaching and Learning", aims to analyze the significant changes occurring in higher education institutions driven by technology, pedagogical innovation, and new social and environmental demands. In the context of rapid transformations in the educational sector, this collection explores how these changes can be leveraged to promote more inclusive, efficient and sustainable education.

General Focus

The main objective of this Special Issue is to identify and examine the emerging approaches that are redefining higher education. The focus is on innovative methodologies, such as hybrid learning, competency-based learning, and the use of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies, that can enhance learning quality and equity in access to education. Additionally, it aims to highlight student-centered pedagogical practices that emphasize personalized learning and the preparation of critical and well-informed citizens.

The scope includes analyses of educational practices that not only meet the current needs of society but are also aligned with the principles of sustainable development. Given that universities face global challenges such as climate change and social inequalities, the collection will also explore how academic training can prepare students to address these challenges innovatively and effectively.

Relationship with the Existing Literature

While there is already a significant body of literature on pedagogy and technological innovation, this Special Issue complements these studies by offering a deeper reflection on the impact of these approaches on sustainable development. It explores how educational institutions can not only adopt new methodologies but also incorporate sustainability concepts into their curricula and daily practices. In this way, it broadens the view of higher education as not only an academic formation engine but also a force for social and environmental transformation.

Contribution to Sustainability

This Special Issue directly contributes to sustainability by analyzing how higher education can be an active agent in promoting a more sustainable society. It will explore pedagogical practices that encourage critical reflection on global issues such as climate change and social justice, integrating these themes across various knowledge areas. Furthermore, the research and proposals within this edition will address how emerging technologies can be used to make higher education more accessible, effective and inclusive, thus contributing to reducing inequalities in access to education.

The impact of educational policies promoting the integration of sustainability principles into the academic curriculum will also be discussed, along with how higher education institutions can serve as models of sustainable best practices, both within their internal structures and in their interaction with external communities.

Conclusion

In summary, this Special Issue aims to consolidate the role of higher education as a fundamental pillar in building a more resilient, equitable and sustainable society. Through the analysis of innovative pedagogical practices and the impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, it seeks not only to reflect on emerging trends but also to propose solutions for future challenges. In doing so, it intends to provide a valuable guide for researchers, educators and policymakers who aim to contribute to sustainable development and the formation of conscious citizens that are prepared for the future.

Dr. Abílio Afonso Lourenço
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• higher education
• educational trends
• pedagogical innovation
• sustainable education
• emerging technologies
• student-centered learning
• sustainability skills
• educational transformation
• higher education challenges
• innovative practices