Innovative Teaching Methodologies for Sustainability Education

This paper delves into the critical importance of implementing innovative teaching methodologies across universities in the European Union (EU). The following guidelines lay their bases on a collaborative research effort, realised by the project consortium, the study and data obtained from a comprehensive questionnaire distributed across EU member states, and a subsequent workshop convened at the University of Pavia. The combined research methods aimed to capture a holistic view of current teaching practices, assess the readiness for innovation, and identify the main challenges, obstacles, and opportunities within European higher education institutions. The joint research effort, merging quantitative insights from the questionnaire and qualitative, in-depth reflections from the workshop, highlights the pressing need for universities to adopt innovative teaching methodologies. It explores how these methodologies can not only enhance the overall learning experience but also align with the broader goals of the European Higher Education Area. The present handbook aims to highlight the importance of universities investing in innovation in teaching, fostering an environment where educators are empowered to employ diverse, student-centred approaches. Finally, and most importantly, it provides recommendations and new approaches, collected by the project consortium throughout the project activities. By synthesising the outcomes of our joint research initiative, we contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational reform, advocating for a pedagogical shift that aligns with the dynamic needs of contemporary learners in the European Union.