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The Challenges of Sustainable Education in the 21st Century

A topical collection in Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This collection belongs to the section "Sustainable Education and Approaches".

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Editors


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Guest Editor
Psychology, Education and Teacher Training Department, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500007 Brasov, Romania
Interests: learning differences; teacher education; online teaching and learning; higher education; education research; students with learning difficulties; educational psychology

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Guest Editor
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Madeira, 9000-072 Funchal, Portugal
Interests: positive psychology; psychology of education; psychology of tourism; creativity

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Education and sustainability are inextricably linked, but lately we are witnessing a forced paradigm shift that requires adaptation from both teachers and students. We see these challenges not only at the micro level, but also at the macro-organizational level. For example, community resources are in high demand, methodologies for action in these crisis conditions have hotspots, and educational policies are relatively deadlocked. We want to train citizens with cross-cultural understanding, able to make informed decisions, with abilities to think creatively and critically, willing to try a different approach which can easily adapt to new challenges. It is necessary to learn from crisis situations, in order for the educational act to become sustainable, and to be able to face the challenges that will follow.

In the contemporary period, we are witnessing a reorganization of educational processes to promote sustainable development, regardless of environmental challenges. Recent research results highlight the role of finding long-term solutions to current problems in education. More than ever, we need scientific evidence-based practices to underpin curricular innovations.

This collection of Sustainability will allow the collection of ideas and data that can form a basis for future adjustments or educational reforms to support the goals of sustainable education. Through these researches we will be able to observe which are the most appropriate interventions that we can implement in various current contexts. Furthermore, another topic of interest is the establishment of a framework for online teaching or in any other crisis conditions.

We look forward to empirical research, explorers focusing on: Improvement of theory to accommodate changes from the educational environment; their implications, their mediators and boundary conditions.

This Special Issue will comprise a selection of papers presenting original and innovative contributions to the advancement of research in areas related to online and blended learning, sustainability, pedagogical and methodological well-designed learning environment to reach sustainable education goals, and development of methodological adaptations that will enable step-changes in emerging and future modes of sustainability. Papers selected for this Special Issue will be subject to a rigorous peer-review process with the aim of rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments, and applications.

Dr. Popa Daniela
Prof. Dr. Margarida Pocinho
Guest Editors

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 collection 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.

Keywords

  • education for sustainable development
  • sustainable education
  • methodological adaptations
  • online teaching and learning/ e-learning
  • hybrid educational environment
  • blended learning
  • educational paradigms
  • innovative teaching and learning

Published Papers (8 papers)

2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021

25 pages, 2936 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Student Knowledge Assessment Using Machine Learning Techniques
by Nuha Alruwais and Mohammed Zakariah
Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6229; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15076229 - 04 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3854
Abstract
The process of learning about a student’s knowledge and comprehension of a particular subject is referred to as student knowledge assessment. It helps to identify areas where students need additional support or challenge and can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction, [...] Read more.
The process of learning about a student’s knowledge and comprehension of a particular subject is referred to as student knowledge assessment. It helps to identify areas where students need additional support or challenge and can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction, make important decisions such as on student placement and curriculum development, and monitor the quality of education. Evaluating student knowledge assessment is essential to measuring student progress, informing instruction, and providing feedback to improve student performance and enhance the overall teaching and learning experience. This research paper is designed to create a machine learning (ML)-based system that assesses student performance and knowledge throughout the course of their studies and pinpoints the key variables that have the most significant effects on that performance and expertise. Additionally, it describes the impact of running models with data that only contains key features on their performance. To classify the students, the paper employs seven different classifiers, including support vector machines (SVM), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), gradient boosting machine (GBM), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP). This paper carries out two experiments to see how best to replicate the automatic classification of student knowledge. In the first experiment, the dataset (Dataset 1) was used in its original state, including all five properties listed in the dataset, to evaluate the performance indicators. In the second experiment, the least correlated variable was removed from the dataset to create a smaller dataset (Dataset 2), and the same set of performance indicators was evaluated. Then, the performance indicators using Dataset 1 and Dataset 2 were compared. The GBM exhibited the highest prediction accuracy of 98%, according to Dataset 1. In terms of prediction error, the GBM also performed well. The accuracy of optimistic forecasts on student performance, denoted as the performance indicator ‘precision’, was highest in GBM at 99%, while DT, RF, and SVM were 98% accurate in their optimistic forecasts for Dataset 1. The second experiment’s findings demonstrated that practically no classifiers showed appreciable improvements in prediction accuracy with a reduced feature set in Dataset 2. It showed that the time required for related learning objects and the knowledge level corresponding to a goal learning object have less impact. Full article
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18 pages, 617 KiB  
Article
Teachers’ Perceptions of Online Teaching Do Not Differ across Disciplines: A Survey
by Yanyun Jiang, Xiaomeng Ruan, Zirong Feng and Peijie Jiang
Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3569; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15043569 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1542
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, online teaching has been widely practiced. Ensuring the quality and efficiency of online teaching has become an important research topic. Teachers’ views of online teaching directly affect the quality of instruction. The study aimed to understand whether there [...] Read more.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, online teaching has been widely practiced. Ensuring the quality and efficiency of online teaching has become an important research topic. Teachers’ views of online teaching directly affect the quality of instruction. The study aimed to understand whether there are differences in the basic perceptions of online teaching among teachers in different disciplines. Through a web-based questionnaire, the researchers surveyed 198 teachers from different disciplines about their perceptions of online teaching. The research method was a convergent mixed-method design. SPSS 22.0 was used to analyze quantitative data, and qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo 11. The results showed significant differences in the attitudes of teachers to adopt online teaching as the norm in different disciplines. Social science teachers preferred online education not to be the norm, while natural science teachers preferred online education to be the norm. In addition, there was little difference in the perceptions of online teaching among teachers of different disciplines. Most of them pointed out the problem of interactive communication in online teaching and gave suggestions about it. Online teaching has value, but there is still much room for improvement. It is necessary to strengthen the construction of facilities for online education, consider the characteristics of disciplines, and train teachers in teaching methods, learning psychology, and technology. Full article
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14 pages, 975 KiB  
Article
E-Learning Web-Apps Use Acceptance: A Way to Guide Perceived Learning Outcomes in Blended Learning
by Luz María Marín-Vinuesa and Paula Rojas-García
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2136; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15032136 - 23 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1682
Abstract
This study empirically examines the effects of the acceptance of e-learning Web-apps by student on the learning outcomes achieved with their use. With this objective, two theoretically recognized purposes for use these apps were tested in a blended learning model, as a way [...] Read more.
This study empirically examines the effects of the acceptance of e-learning Web-apps by student on the learning outcomes achieved with their use. With this objective, two theoretically recognized purposes for use these apps were tested in a blended learning model, as a way to change the traditional face-to-face classrooms activities (apps we called ICTf) and as a virtual evaluation platform in learning (ICTv apps). The data was collected through online surveys from university students of a blended Master’ degree, enrolled in different specialties. PLS-SEM analysis of the data was performed. A proportion of the variance of student learning outcomes was explained by the level of ICTv acceptance. However, the positive effect of the ICTf acceptance on this performance was not significant. Heterogeneity was observed in students’ ratings on the acceptance of the Web-apps by different master’s specialties, and it was higher in ICTf than in ICTv. Our research highlights the important role that the acceptance of use of electronic learning resources plays in boosting their effective learning performance. Full article
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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021

23 pages, 2847 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Student’s Self-Determination, Parental Involvement, Special Education Teachers’ Support, and College and Career Readiness among Secondary Students with Learning Disabilities in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
by Norah Saleh Binghashayan, Kee Jiar Yeo and Azlina Mohd Kosnin
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14221; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142114221 - 31 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1672
Abstract
Students’ self-determination (SD), parental involvement (PI), special education teachers’ support (SETS) in non-academic skills, and college and career readiness (CCR) among secondary students with learning disabilities (SLDs) have been assessed from various perspectives. This study focuses on understanding the levels and relationship between [...] Read more.
Students’ self-determination (SD), parental involvement (PI), special education teachers’ support (SETS) in non-academic skills, and college and career readiness (CCR) among secondary students with learning disabilities (SLDs) have been assessed from various perspectives. This study focuses on understanding the levels and relationship between students’ SD, PI, and SETS in non-academic skills, and CCR among SLDs in secondary schools from the point of view of SLDs, SLDs’ parents, and special education teachers. In addition, this study aimed to verify the gender of SLD as a moderator in the relationship between students’ SD and their CCR. Thus, this study designed and developed three sets of questionnaires to investigate the relationship between students’ SD, PI, SETS, and CCR among secondary SLDs. The three questionnaires were designed separately to address the SLDs, SLDs’ parents, and special education teachers. The questionnaires were answered by 263 SLDs, 264 SLDs’ parents, and 63 special education teachers in secondary schools in Riyadh who were selected by using stratified sampling technique and consideration of the sample size to represent the target population of the study. The results revealed that SLDs and special education teachers have a higher level of SD and a higher level of special education teachers’ support than parents. The results also indicated that PI is not positively or significantly related to CCR. However, the results indicated that SETS is positively and significantly associated with the student’s CCR. Furthermore, the results showed the path coefficient between Students’ SD and SETS were not statistically significant (β = 0.171; t < 1.96; p > 0.05) but were significantly different between PI and SETS (β = 0.749; t > 1.96; p < 0.05). Moreover, the results indicated a significant mediating effect of SETS in the relationship between PI and the endogenous variable, CCR, for SLDs in Riyadh. Additionally, students’ gender moderated the relationship between students’ SD and their CCR. The findings of this study suggest that improving students’ SD and PI, and SETS, may help in fostering CCR among secondary SLDs, and it has a significant implication for parents and special education teachers to be aware of and a greater focus on the importance of developing these aspects. Full article
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22 pages, 327 KiB  
Article
Towards Sustainable Internationalization of Higher Education: Innovative Marketing Strategies for International Student Recruitment
by Nguyen-Tan Hung and Kuo-Liang Yen
Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8522; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14148522 - 12 Jul 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4295
Abstract
Globalization and internationalization have received increasing attention from researchers in the field of education management over the past decade, who have found that internationalization is an indispensable component in the sustainable development of higher education (HE). This research aims to construct Innovative Marketing [...] Read more.
Globalization and internationalization have received increasing attention from researchers in the field of education management over the past decade, who have found that internationalization is an indispensable component in the sustainable development of higher education (HE). This research aims to construct Innovative Marketing Strategies (IMS) for international student recruitment and contribute to the sustainable internationalization of higher education (IoHE). A literature review was used to construct an Innovative Marketing Strategies questionnaire. Data collected from 300 international students studying in Taiwan were used for a feasibility analysis in order to construct the final questionnaire, and survey data collected from 522 participants were used for more in-depth statistical analysis of the final strategies. The research results indicate that combining the marketing mix 4C with an innovative strategy (IS) approach provides sustainable recruitment marketing strategies toward higher education institution internationalization from a customer-oriented perspective. The IMS in this study includes 2 dimensions, 10 strategies, and 32 indicators. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis demonstrating the perspectives of international students with respect to the strategies was also conducted. This research contributes to the theoretical development and practical implementation of sustainable HE internationalization management. Discussions and recommendations based on the results of this study are also given. Full article
15 pages, 1987 KiB  
Article
Effects of Deliberate Practice on Blended Learning Sustainability: A Community of Inquiry Perspective
by Rosa Huiju Chen
Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1785; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14031785 - 04 Feb 2022
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4843
Abstract
Education for sustainable development has been regarded as a lifelong learning process and an integral part of quality education. To this end, this study aims to examine the implementation of online learning communities and deliberate practice in a blended learning context, to improve [...] Read more.
Education for sustainable development has been regarded as a lifelong learning process and an integral part of quality education. To this end, this study aims to examine the implementation of online learning communities and deliberate practice in a blended learning context, to improve English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ learning performance and engagement. Specifically, in addition to the traditional offline courses, the online film clip watching and writing tasks were adopted to ascertain the role of deliberate practice and the dimensions of the community of inquiry (COI) framework were adopted to examine the perceived effectiveness and improved performance. A quantitative study was carried out, involving 67 undergraduate freshman English course students from one university at northeastern Taiwan. The findings of this study indicate that there is statistically significant correlation between the three dimensions of community of inquiry, perceived learning and learning engagement. Moreover, teaching and cognitive presence are more predictive of students’ perceived learning. Finally, this study also illustrates practical implications, to facilitate students’ learning for sustainable development competency in blended learning contexts. Full article
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13 pages, 259 KiB  
Article
Online Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic: Teachers’ Experiences from a Chinese University
by Samson Maekele Tsegay, Muhammad Azeem Ashraf, Shahnaz Perveen and Mulugeta Zemuy Zegergish
Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 568; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14010568 - 05 Jan 2022
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6859
Abstract
This paper explores the experiences of Chinese university teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on the teaching and learning methods adopted and the benefits and challenges encountered in the process. It is based on semi-structured interviews with 13 Chinese university [...] Read more.
This paper explores the experiences of Chinese university teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on the teaching and learning methods adopted and the benefits and challenges encountered in the process. It is based on semi-structured interviews with 13 Chinese university teachers selected through purposive sampling. The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic forced the university and teachers to adopt online teaching and learning without necessary preparations. Most of the teachers had no adequate ICT and pedagogical training to engage in online teaching and learning. The teachers used the little knowledge they had to learn creating videos and managing online classes gradually. In addition to the flexibility benefits, online learning is expected to transform the teaching and learning process in China to become more interactive and student-centered, which would be a significant achievement for teachers who have been practicing traditional teaching methods. This research provides a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of online learning, which could be vital for future adjustments or educational reforms. Full article

2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022

17 pages, 816 KiB  
Article
Looking Abroad for Growth: A Study of International Student’s Symbolic Motivations in Attending South Korean Universities
by Otabek Juraev, Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin, Iroda Mukhammadieva and Ji-Hern Kim
Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 213; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14010213 - 26 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3424
Abstract
South Korean universities have been facing student shortages to sustain their growth due to its severe population decline. The Korean government has since introduced policies to attract more international students to the country. The present study examined the prestige-seeking tendencies of international students [...] Read more.
South Korean universities have been facing student shortages to sustain their growth due to its severe population decline. The Korean government has since introduced policies to attract more international students to the country. The present study examined the prestige-seeking tendencies of international students in Korea and their influence on students’ satisfaction levels. The five dimensions of prestige-seeking behavior were adopted to help explain students’ satisfaction levels. Research samples were current and former international students in Korea. The findings reveal the quality of the education did not contribute directly to the students’ overall satisfaction level. Instead, it was hedonic elements that affected satisfaction. Moreover, status, snob, and bandwagon effects contributed significantly to the quality and hedonic motives. Full article
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