Pedaforum 2025

Call for papers:

Developing higher education pedagogy supports various societal developments and creates solutions for current and future needs. Universities must address evolving labour market demands and the diverse needs of learners. Universities must adapt to changes by adopting new learning solutions and opportunities. At the same time, they play a significant role in producing the skills and knowledge needed to advance sustainability transitions and green growth. Responding to these changes requires innovative and evolving higher education pedagogy that fosters new approaches, practices, and research to address current challenges.

The main theme of PedaForum 2025 is “Higher Education Pedagogy in a Changing Society: Solutions for Current and Future Needs?” We warmly invite presentations that address this theme from the perspective of research, practice, or a combination of both.

Submit your presentation to the appropriate thematic group. The sub-questions provided with each theme are indicative. Proposals can be submitted in either Finnish or English. Presentations may take the form of oral presentations, workshops, or posters.

Abstract submissions open in December.

Themes

1. Higher Education Pedagogy and Developing Collaboration with the Labour Market

• Higher education institutions face increasing demands to strengthen collaboration with the labour market and support students’ career paths. Have you addressed any of the following topics in your work or research?
• What new and innovative ways can be developed to enhance collaboration with the labour market in higher education?
• How can higher education pedagogical solutions support students’ transition to and retention in the workforce?
• What kind of higher education pedagogy enhances teachers' career-readiness and entrepreneurial skills?
• What future changes are anticipated in the development of higher education pedagogy?
• How can the labour market contribute to the development of higher education pedagogy?

2. Higher Education Pedagogy and Leadership

High-quality higher education requires pedagogical leadership. Have you addressed any of the following topics in your work or research?

• What type of leadership supports pedagogical development in higher education?
• How can leadership foster the development of staff’s pedagogical competence?
• How can institutions make the transition from pedagogical discussions to pedagogical practices?
• How can pedagogical leadership be associated with student’s study experience?
• What kinds of quality criteria and impact metrics can be beneficial for supporting pedagogical leadership?

3. Practical Solutions to Support Data-Driven Leadership

Data has become one of the most critical resources, and its effective use can be decisive for an organisation’s success. Data-driven leadership helps make better decisions, improve predictability, and achieve sustainable competitive advantages. Have you addressed any of the following topics in your work or research?

• How do you practise data-driven leadership?
• What opportunities does AI bring to data-driven leadership in higher education?
• What possibilities do higher education experts have for utilising data?
• What are the best practices and tools to support data-driven leadership?

4. How Can Higher Education Institutions Address the Needs of Lifelong Learning?

Lifelong learners form an essential part of the educational mission of higher education institutions. Developing educational offerings requires collaboration and foresight. Have you addressed any of the following topics in your work or research?

• What are the key future skills students should acquire during higher education?
• What is the role of higher education in the framework of lifelong learning?
• What types of learning environments best support lifelong learning?
• How can lifelong learning be developed in collaboration with the labour market?
• What is the significance of lifelong learning for promoting employment?
• What role do projects and initiatives play in strengthening lifelong learning?

5. Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence Now and in the Future

Digitalisation and AI significantly influence the forms, objectives, evaluation, and concerns of learning and teaching. As tools evolve, higher education institutions need innovative experiments and solutions. Have you addressed any of the following topics in your work or research?

• What are the future digital solutions for teaching and learning in higher education?
• How does AI transform teaching in higher education?
• How does AI reshape assessment practices in higher education?
• How does AI change the competence requirements of teachers and students?
• What ethical considerations must be taken into account when utilising AI in higher education?
• How should higher education institutions address changing demands regarding data security?

6. Learning in Different Environments and Networks

Learning increasingly takes place in various networks, smaller modules, and workplaces. New learning platforms and formats require identifying the needs of target groups and utilising service design. Have you addressed any of the following topics in your work or research?

• What networks enhance high-quality learning in higher education?
• How do small learning modules support network-based learning?
• What role does service design play in creating learning offerings for networks?
• How can networks collectively develop high-quality pedagogical solutions?
• What kinds of learning can emerge through RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) activities?
• What are the learning environments of the future?

7. Supporting Student Well-Being

Many factors, both internal and external to higher education institutions, affect student well-being. New tools and approaches allow for identifying factors influencing well-being and providing better support. Have you addressed any of the following topics in your work or research?

• How can learning support solutions strengthen students’ well-being and graduation?
• How can the well-being of international students in Finland be successfully supported?
• What impacts does student exchange have on student well-being?
• How do employment prospects and job opportunities affect student well-being?
• What role can career planning and guidance play in promoting student well-being?
• How can AI be utilised to support student well-being?

8. Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, and Accessible Higher Education Communities

Sustainability encompasses ecological, social, cultural, and economic dimensions. Higher education institutions play a crucial role in advancing societal sustainability transitions and adopting new ways of thinking and acting. Have you addressed any of the following topics in your work or research?

• What best practices and new solutions can enhance the sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility of higher education communities?
• How can staff well-being and sense of community be supported in a multi-location university?
• How can community-building be supported in remote teaching?
• How can community-building be supported in independent study?

9. The Future of Higher Education in Finland

Higher education is undergoing significant changes and reforms, such as the doctoral education pilot and the aspiration of universities of applied sciences to establish their own labour market-oriented doctoral programmes. Have you addressed any of the following topics in your work or research?

• What could the future of higher education in Finland look like?
• What could a doctoral programme offered by a university of applied sciences entail?
• What forms of collaboration should exist between universities of applied sciences and universities?

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