Editorial: Higher Education and 21st Century Skills: Challenges and Opportunities

Silvia F. Rivas^1*Ana B. Bernardo²Joana R. Casanova³Carlos Saiz¹

• ¹Facultad psicologia. Universidad de Salamanca. España, Salamanca, Spain
• ²Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
• ³Universiddad de Miño. Braga.Portugal, Braga, Portugal

21st-century skills-such as critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, digital literacy, and teamwork-have become essential components in the comprehensive training of future professionals. However, effectively integrating these skills into curricula requires a rethinking of traditional teaching approaches. Education must go beyond the mere transmission of information and embrace active, interdisciplinary, and innovative methodologies that foster meaningful learning and the development of transversal competencies.Higher education institutions must take a leading role in educational transformation by updating their academic programs, incorporating technological tools, and strengthening formative experiences that equip students with the confidence and creativity needed to face labor market challenges.In this regard, higher education must evolve to meet the new needs of students and society. Beyond imparting knowledge, institutions should focus on cultivating key competencies that help future professionals adapt to dynamic environments, enhance critical thinking, and promote autonomous learning. This issue of our journal brings together a collection of articles addressing various challenges and opportunities in higher education, exploring key topics that impact university education today. It discusses how community service learning can enhance literacy, the effects of flipped classrooms on teaching, and the relationship between academic performance and skill development for the digital age. Additionally, it examines how the combination of in-person and online learning influences student autonomy and the effects of active learning methods on academic outcomes. Furthermore, this issue includes research on cognitive and motivational factors influencing university dropout intentions, emergency remote teaching for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students, and the connection between critical thinking, psychological well-being, and academic performance. These studies provide a comprehensive perspective on how higher education can adapt to the challenges of the 21st century by integrating innovative strategies that enhance student learning and engagement.There is no doubt that higher education must act urgently to address the challenges of the 21st century, transforming its pedagogical approaches to effectively prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Seizing the opportunity to integrate critical skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and adaptability into curricula will not only enhance graduates' employability but also contribute to building a more dynamic and innovative society. The educational community must collaborate in developing programs that foster active and collaborative learning. By doing so, we not only ensure that our students are equipped to face the professional challenges of the future, but we also strengthen the role of education as a driver of social and economic progress.In conclusion, this Frontiers Special Issue, titled "Higher Education and 21st Century Skills: Challenges and Opportunities," brings together 22 articles that offer valuable insights into the topics covered and highlight the importance of analyzing both the positive aspects and the challenges identified in various studies on the development of transversal skills in higher education.This volume aims to contribute to the academic debate and strengthen the role of research in building solutions for the challenges currently faced by university education.