About this Research Topic
In the dynamic field of higher education (HE) in the European Union (EU), the paramount importance of fostering intellectual curiosity, inclusion and interconnectedness is readily apparent and preponderant.
The increasing importance of European policies in transforming the higher education landscape is undeniable; the three cycle studies’ structure and the European Qualification Framework, the quality assurance guidelines (ESG), new governance and funding systems and internationalization strategies are substantially influenced by European norms introduced within the European Higher Education Area supported by EU funding. Recently, after the introduction of the European Pillar Social Rights and the need to confront the polycrisis effects, which fueled unemployment and social inequalities as well as populism, Euroscepticism and misinformation, the focus has been shifted towards qualitative and inclusive teaching methods and practices, including the exploitation of new digital tools (OER) and learning methods (microlearning).
In addition, the EU-Higher Education nexus refers to the reciprocal effects of EU policies and academia that significantly influence students' educational experiences and the pedagogical strategies used by faculty. Teachers strive to nurture inquisitive minds to develop critical thinking, inquisitiveness, and an eagerness to acquire information. This endeavor ultimately helps equip individuals with comprehensive skills that enable them to effectively manage difficult situations.
Prioritizing inclusive approaches to learning underscores the need to address the needs of heterogeneous student demographics, including individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational contexts. Promoting inclusivity facilitates equitable educational opportunities, the inclusion of diverse perspectives, and the creation of a conducive learning environment that supports fair opportunities for all students.
The aim of this Research Topic is to examine the interplay between EU and higher education institutions (HEIs) exploring new institutional practices to improve the knowledge, skills and competences of students as well as to become the drivers of change (innovators) towards active citizenship, sustainability, environmental protection and resilience. Moreover, this article collection will explore how studying EU contributes to the development of intellectual curiosity and the promotion of inclusive and diverse learning perspectives.
The increasing importance of European policies in transforming the higher education landscape is undeniable; the three cycle studies’ structure and the European Qualification Framework, the quality assurance guidelines (ESG), new governance and funding systems and internationalization strategies are substantially influenced by European norms introduced within the European Higher Education Area supported by EU funding. Recently, after the introduction of the European Pillar Social Rights and the need to confront the polycrisis effects, which fueled unemployment and social inequalities as well as populism, Euroscepticism and misinformation, the focus has been shifted towards qualitative and inclusive teaching methods and practices, including the exploitation of new digital tools (OER) and learning methods (microlearning).
In addition, the EU-Higher Education nexus refers to the reciprocal effects of EU policies and academia that significantly influence students' educational experiences and the pedagogical strategies used by faculty. Teachers strive to nurture inquisitive minds to develop critical thinking, inquisitiveness, and an eagerness to acquire information. This endeavor ultimately helps equip individuals with comprehensive skills that enable them to effectively manage difficult situations.
Prioritizing inclusive approaches to learning underscores the need to address the needs of heterogeneous student demographics, including individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational contexts. Promoting inclusivity facilitates equitable educational opportunities, the inclusion of diverse perspectives, and the creation of a conducive learning environment that supports fair opportunities for all students.
The aim of this Research Topic is to examine the interplay between EU and higher education institutions (HEIs) exploring new institutional practices to improve the knowledge, skills and competences of students as well as to become the drivers of change (innovators) towards active citizenship, sustainability, environmental protection and resilience. Moreover, this article collection will explore how studying EU contributes to the development of intellectual curiosity and the promotion of inclusive and diverse learning perspectives.
Keywords: Higher Education, Inquisitive Minds, Inclusive Learning, Inclusive teaching methods
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