Transforming Education through Challenge-Based Learning and Design Thinking

In the realm of contemporary educational transformation, Challenge-Based Learning and Design Thinking have emerged as pivotal pedagogical approaches. These methodologies are instrumental in cultivating essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and complex problem-solving. Challenge-Based Learning engages students with real-life problems, driving them to identify, analyze, and devise relevant solutions. This approach fosters meaningful and contextualized learning experiences. Simultaneously, Design Thinking introduces an iterative, creative methodology grounded in empathy, encouraging innovative and collaborative responses to educational challenges. The integration of these methods is reshaping teaching practices and empowering students to take charge of their learning in an era characterized by rapid change and complexity.

This Research Topic aims to address the pressing need for the renewal of teaching and learning processes in alignment with the demands of an increasingly intricate and ever-evolving world. There exists a stark mismatch between the evolving societal needs—emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability—and traditional education systems that focus predominately on content delivery. By merging Challenge-Based Learning with Design Thinking, we propose an innovative solution that centers students in the educational experience, nurturing active and collaborative learning environments that drive motivation and engagement. Furthermore, these methodologies lead to the development of groundbreaking teaching strategies and foster inclusive and adaptable educational settings.

This Research Topic seeks to collate insights, research, and proposals grounded in relevant educational research and theories that address the integration of these methodologies across various educational levels and contexts. It also aims to disseminate best practices and models that enhance the development of key competencies in learners, equipping them to meet contemporary and future challenges. Articles in this Research Topic may focus on, but are not limited to:

• Curriculum design and implementation.
• Development of key 21st-century skills (creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, empathy).
• Inclusion and diversity in learning.
• Co-creation with external stakeholders.
• Assessment of learning outcomes.
• Inclusive and interdisciplinary education.
• Use of educational technologies.
• Comparative studies across educational stages or contexts.
• Transferable models, best practices, and critical reflections on educational transformation.

Authors are encouraged to submit original research, case studies, reviews, practical experiences, and theoretical essays that explore the implementation, impact, and challenges associated with Challenge-Based Learning and Design Thinking. Contributions that present innovative models, best practices, and critical reflections, ranging from higher education to earlier educational levels and engaging in international collaboration, are particularly welcome.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Educational Innovation, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Skills for Future, Challenge-based Learning, Design Thinking

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.