Enhancing Quality Teaching of Humanities and Social Sciences in Higher Education for 21+

The project addressed EU, European Higher Education Area, Bologna Process, and national strategies in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland by focusing on modernizing university teaching and lifelong learning. Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), often overshadowed by technical fields, require attention to develop 21st-century skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication. These skills are vital for citizenship, democracy, and employability but are not consistently cultivated in SSH education. A Needs Analysis revealed that many SSH academics lack pedagogical training and access to resources for modern teaching methods, interdisciplinary approaches, and skills-based learning aligned with global labor demands. SSH educators often remain confined to national perspectives, limiting teaching relevance. The project addressed these gaps by fostering innovative teaching practices, enabling SSH educators to internationalize curricula and improve pedagogical competences, directly aligning with Erasmus+ KA2 priorities and labor market needs.

The project aimed to modernize higher education and equip students with 21st-century competences, aligning with EU and national objectives. Collaboration among three Central European universities focused on addressing challenges and developing tools to enhance Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) teaching. A Needs Analysis revealed similar gaps across institutions in interdisciplinary and internationally oriented professional development for HE teachers. Leveraging diverse expertise in internationalization, didactics, education theory, sociology, and the humanities, the project targeted improved teaching methods, integration of digitization, stronger employer ties, and curriculum internationalization while using the principle of multiperspectivity. It also sought to connect teachers, managers, and institutions to share best practices and improve SSH education. Through international cooperation, the project aimed to create sustainable results, including several analyses from different fields of research, a handbook, and e-learning resource, addressing societal needs to make SSH more relevant to life and work in a globalized world.

The project produced four key results that significantly contribute to the development of SSH education in higher education. The first result, In-Depth Analysis of Psychosocial Aspects, is a collection of comprehensive studies grounded in data from surveys conducted among students and staff at three partner institutions. This analysis explores essential topics such as future-ready competencies, flexible learning approaches, the role of virtual and cross-border learning, and the value of informal education. These findings offer SSH educators a robust foundation to address the evolving needs of students, institutions, and society. The collected data also supported the creation of other project results, and the research exceeded initial expectations by resulting in seven created articles instead of the planned five. While the initial five articles have been successfully published in academic journals, the additional two are completed and in the process of being reviewed for publication in scholarly journals. The second result, Analysis of Intercultural Dimensions, culminated in the collective monograph "Teaching Humanities and Social Sciences Interculturally: A Contemporary Central European Perspective". This publication examines the intercultural and international aspects of SSH education, addressing historical legacies, cultural contexts, and modern challenges. With contributions from experts across disciplines, the monograph highlights topics like curriculum internationalization and administrative processes, providing educators with insights into Central European educational systems and societal attitudes. It also includes analyses of textbooks, addressing challenges related to multiperspectivity, and responds to contemporary issues such as disinformation and digitalization, including an examination of challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The monograph was produced both as a physical copy and an e-book, with printed versions freely distributed to libraries, participants of the final conference and additional stakeholders. The third result, Handbook: Teaching SSH for 21+, is a practical guide tailored for university educators in SSH disciplines. It introduces current approaches, principles, and methods of higher education while emphasizing critical thinking, digital skills, and media literacy. Designed to be accessible for non-didacticians, the handbook offers adaptable examples and good practices, allowing educators to tailor methodologies to their teaching contexts. Like the second result, the handbook was published in both physical and electronic formats, with printed copies shared widely among libraries, conference participants and other stakeholders. The fourth result, E-Learning for SSH University Teachers, provides an interactive platform supporting high-quality SSH education. It includes methodological overviews, example lesson plans, and a classification of teaching methods, linking theoretical knowledge with practical application. This platform equips educators with tools to create engaging and effective lesson plans while addressing the specific needs of the Central European context. Together, these results form a comprehensive suite of resources for SSH educators, fostering innovation and collaboration across higher education institutions.