1. STEAM Education for an Innovative Approach to Sustainability : Perspectives of Future Preschool Educators and TeachersSanja Partalo, Nevena Vučen Papić, Dragana Malivuk Gak, Dino Hasanagić, 2025, samostojni znanstveni sestavek ali poglavje v monografski publikaciji Opis: Modern education is increasingly viewed through the lens of sustainable development, with a focus on pedagogical practices that foster competent, creative, and socially responsible individuals. The STEAM approach integrates science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics to foster creativity, critical thinking, and transdisciplinary problem-solving among learners. This approach directly contributes to education for sustainable development by enhancing the quality of education, gender equality, and innovation. The paper explores teacher education students’ awareness of STEAM, their attitudes toward its use, and their readiness to apply it in future teaching. A qualitative study was conducted through focus groups with students from various teacher education programmes (natural sciences, social sciences, and arts). Students’ attitudes were analysed, and the perceived benefits, obstacles, and needs for additional support in the implementation of STEAM were identified. The results reveal limited formal education about STEAM, but also a strong motivation among students to apply this approach, particularly in contexts that foster innovation, inclusion, and the connection of theoretical knowledge with real-life situations. Identified challenges include a lack of practical training, insufficient institutional support, and limited resources. Participants highlighted the need for greater integration of STEAM-related content in university curricula. In conclusion, the findings underline the necessity of systemic integration of STEAM education in teacher and preschool educator training programmes, as a key factor in developing sustainable educational practices. Supporting future teachers and educators in acquiring competencies for transdisciplinary learning and innovative teaching may be crucial for advancing education for sustainable development.
Ključne besede: STEAM education, education for sustainable development, innovative educational practices, creativity, critical thinking, transdisciplinary
Objavljeno v RUP: 26.01.2026; Ogledov: 261; Prenosov: 0
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2. Predictors of Preschool Teachers’ Environmental Activities in Kindergarten : A Path to a Sustainable FutureMarina Semiz, 2025, samostojni znanstveni sestavek ali poglavje v monografski publikaciji Opis: In line with the priorities of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the growing emphasis on competencies for sustainable development in education, early childhood and preschool education are increasingly recognized as critical stages for fostering environmental awareness and designing sustainable curricula. As key educational agents, preschool teachers play a central role in implementing environmental initiatives in kindergartens and nurturing environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviours in young children. This paper presents findings from a study examining the predictors of preschool teachers’ engagement in environmental activities, with a focus on selected personal and sociodemographic variables: years of service, education level, teaching group, and the development of environmental competencies. The study involved a sample of 101 preschool teachers from four administrative districts in Serbia. Data were collected using two instruments: one measuring the development of environmental competencies and another assessing the frequency of environmental activities implemented in kindergartens. The results indicate that teachers’ environmental competencies have a direct and moderately positive influence on their engagement in environmental practices. Strengthening these competencies increases the likelihood of preschool teachers’ involvement in environmentally sustainable practices. Other examined variables did not emerge as significant predictors of participation in environmental initiatives. The multiple regression analysis accounted for approximately 31% of the variance in the frequency of environmental activities, highlighting the need for future research to explore additional predictive factors. Based on the findings, the development and implementation of targeted training and professional development programmes are recommended to further enhance preschool teachers’ environmental competencies.
Ključne besede: sustainable development, environmental education, environmental well-being, environmental skills, preschool teachers
Objavljeno v RUP: 26.01.2026; Ogledov: 193; Prenosov: 0
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3. Predictors of sustainable development outcomes in learning spaces of early childhood : Slovenian teachers' perspectivesJurka Lepičnik-Vodopivec, Adrijana Višnjić-Jevtić, Aleksandra Šindić, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This research examined factors associated with sustainable development outcomes (O-SD) in early childhood learning settings, as perceived by preschool teachers, considering environmental, social, and economic aspects along with contextual elements (child age, eco-program affiliation, teacher experience). Data were gathered through an online survey targeting 114 Slovenian preschool teachers in 2024. The reliability of the instrument was high (α = .942), and principal component analysis confirmed its validity. Correlation and stepwise regression analyses identified the key predictors of O-SD. Education focused on economic sustainability and child age emerged as the primary predictors, accounting for approximately 55% of the variance. While social sustainability was frequently observed in practice, it did not prove to be a significant predictor. The findings highlight the importance of developmentally appropriate and age-sensitive strategies, alongside the intentional inclusion of economic considerations. Limitations include a convenience sample and reliance on self-reported data. Future research should aim to replicate these results in diverse settings and consider mixed-method approaches that incorporate children’s perspectives.
Ključne besede: quality education, early childhood education for sustainability, sustainable development outcomes, early childhood learning settings
Objavljeno v RUP: 07.01.2026; Ogledov: 217; Prenosov: 2
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4. Digital standard for the design of inclusive and effective online courses in higher education : an integrative literature reviewSabina Ličen, Mirko Prosen, 2025, samostojni znanstveni sestavek ali poglavje v monografski publikaciji Opis: This integrative literature review examines models and frameworks for digital education in higher education, synthesizing their key strengths and limitations. By analysing nine existing frameworks covering different aspects of digital education, including pedagogical approaches, technological solutions and assessment mechanisms, the study identifies gaps in the current literature. The findings show that while the individual models provide valuable insights, none of them independently offer a complete approach to the design, implementation and assessment of digital education. Therefore, this study proposes the development of an integrated digital standard that combines theoretical and practical perspectives to promote inclusive and effective online learning. Such a standard could increase the adaptability to students' needs, improve assessment mechanisms and increase the flexibility of digital learning environments. This study contributes to the development of sustainable and adaptable solutions for the future of digital education.
Ključne besede: innovative teaching methods, e-learning, sustainable education, effectiveness of online teaching, digital education
Objavljeno v RUP: 22.12.2025; Ogledov: 178; Prenosov: 2
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5. Bridging the individual and the system : preschool teachers’ agency in implementation for sustainable development in early childhood settings in south-eastern EuropeAleksandra Šindić, Adrijana Višnjić-Jevtić, Jurka Lepičnik-Vodopivec, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Although the importance of Education for Sustainable Development in Early Childhood (ECEfS) is widely acknowledged, its implementation varies across different national, institutional, and individual contexts. This quantitative study involved 398 ECE teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia. The aim of the research was to identify differences in the implementation of specific dimensions of ECEfS and in the achieved sustainability outcomes among children, with respect to three levels of ECE teachers’ professional context: national, institutional, and individual. Data were collected via an online survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-tests. While the study was limited by reliance on self-assessment and purposive sampling, it provided valuable insights into how professional context shapes early sustainability practices and outcomes and raised questions for future research. Findings indicate the existence of differences among respondents from different countries in the level of implementation of certain aspects of early childhood education for sustainable development, as well as in children’s sustainability outcomes. Similar differences were identified between ECE teachers working in eco and non-eco kindergartens, and between those familiar and unfamiliar with the activities of the ECE Academy. The results highlight the importance of institutional context and professional development in supporting sustainability practices in early childhood education settings.
Ključne besede: early childhood education for sustainable development, eco-program, ECE Academy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia
Objavljeno v RUP: 22.12.2025; Ogledov: 237; Prenosov: 3
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6. AI in higher education : analysis of relevant practices and their potential for green transitionVesna Ferk Savec, Sanja Jedrinović, 2025, samostojni znanstveni sestavek ali poglavje v monografski publikaciji Opis: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly impact the entire spectrum of sustainable development by targeting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In the present study, we analysed reports from university teachers on 26 practises of AI implementation in pedagogical processes at nine faculties of the University of Ljubljana that responded to a call for participation in the Artificial Intelligence in Education project at the University of Ljubljana (2023–2024). We found that various AI tools were mainly used to facilitate the achievement of the sustainable development pillars Economy (SDG9, SDG12) and Society (SDG4) in different areas of KLASIUS-P educational activities, other SDGs were addressed to a lesser extent. Based on the results, we can conclude that the integration of AI into the pedagogical process has great potential but needs to be supported by regulatory insights and monitoring of AI-based technologies to enable sustainable development.
Ključne besede: sustainable development goals (SDGs), artificial intelligence in education (AIEd), higher education (HE)
Objavljeno v RUP: 19.12.2025; Ogledov: 368; Prenosov: 7
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7. Promoting sustainable medical education through digital competence : a cross-sectional pilot studySabina Ličen, Mirko Prosen, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The increasing digitalisation of medical education requires teachers to have a broad range of competences that go beyond basic technical knowledge. This pilot cross-sectional study assessed the self-perceived digital competence of medical faculty members and examined differences by professional role, experience and gender. Of 298 eligible staff, 48 participated (response rate 16.1%), including 19 women (39.6%) and 29 men (60.4%). The data was collected via an online survey using the validated Digital Competence Scale for University Teachers, which comprises four subscales: digital literacy, digital skills, digital interaction and technology integration. The overall median score indicated a generally high level of self-perceived digital competence, with 95% bootstrap confidence intervals confirming this pattern. Assistant professors achieved higher scores in all subscales than associate and full professors. Self-perceived digital competence was positively correlated with participation in structured training, higher interest and frequency of use of digital tools, while age and teaching experience were negatively correlated. The findings suggest unequal levels of self-perceived digital competence across the academic status and highlight the positive association of self-perceived digital competence with participation in targeted, practical and inclusive training programmes.
Ključne besede: sustainable education, medical education, university teachers, faculty development, digital teaching
Objavljeno v RUP: 28.09.2025; Ogledov: 513; Prenosov: 14
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8. Different approaches to early childhood education for sustainability from the preschool teacher’s perspectiveAleksandra Šindić, Adrijana Višnjić-Jevtić, Jurka Lepičnik-Vodopivec, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: education for sustainable development, early childhood education, social sustainability, preschool teachers, macro-level approach, micro-level approach
Objavljeno v RUP: 11.09.2025; Ogledov: 540; Prenosov: 2
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9. Perceptions, ethical challenges and sustainable integration of generative AI in health science education : a cross-sectional studyMirko Prosen, Sabina Ličen, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: first_pagesettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Perceptions, Ethical Challenges and Sustainable Integration of Generative AI in Health Science Education: A Cross-Sectional Study by Mirko ProsenORCID andSabina Ličen *ORCID Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6546; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146546 Submission received: 30 May 2025 / Revised: 15 July 2025 / Accepted: 17 July 2025 / Published: 17 July 2025 (This article belongs to the Special Issue E-Learning and Educational Technologies for Sustainable Transformation of Education) Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Versions Notes Abstract Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is changing higher education. Understanding students’ perceptions, usage behaviour and ethical concerns is crucial for the responsible and sustainable use of AI in the academic environment. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions, experiences and challenges of health sciences students in relation to the use of generative AI in their academic learning. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 397 students enrolled in four undergraduate health-related degree programmes in Slovenia, including nursing, physiotherapy, dietetics and applied kinesiology. The data was collected using a validated 27-point scale. Students were generally favourable towards AI, especially in terms of its perceived usefulness, integration into their daily study routine and ethical considerations. Regression analyses revealed that frequency of AI use, duration of use, self-reported skill level and confidence in using AI significantly predicted perceived usefulness. Gender differences were found, with male students reporting higher perceived usefulness and fewer concerns. Students recognised the potential of generative AI but emphasised the importance of ethical guidance, digital literacy and equal access. Institutions should prioritise structured training and inclusive strategies to ensure meaningful, sustainable and responsible integration of AI into health education.
Ključne besede: higher education, student perceptions, digital literacy, AI integration, sustainable education, equity, ethics
Objavljeno v RUP: 21.07.2025; Ogledov: 647; Prenosov: 3
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10. Contextually enriched competence model in the field of sustainable manufacturing for simulation style technology enhanced learning environmentsGregor Cerinšek, Sobah Abbas Petersen, Tuija Heikura, 2011, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In order to remain competitive, engineers need to acquire competences necessary to attain the sustainability objectives that are emerging in the manufacturing industry. The training of current and future engineers needs to achieve two criteria: the learners need to be able to apply the learning into complex, life-like situations and the learning outcomes need to be achieved rapidly. Competence-based and technology-enhanced learning (TEL) in general and serious games and simulations in particular have recently attracted a great deal of attention as they have the potential to deliver on both accounts. Designing learning content for simulation style competence-based TEL environments places special demands on competence modelling. Competences are traditionally defined and modelled using internal-to-individual factors such as knowledge, skills and attitudes. However, designing simulation style competence-based TEL environments, such as serious games, cannot be based solely on these factors. In work situations competences are performed neither in solitude nor isolation. Contextual factors such as organization processes, laws and norms, the market and available technologies significantly influence competence performance. As the simulations in question need to be life-like constructions ofwork situations the role of contextual factors is heightened. In addition, the content area of sustainable manufacturing is novel, which adds to the challenge. The two main innovative contributions that are presented in this paper are: (1) an enhanced competence modelling methodology which aids in identifying and structuring relevant contextual factors that have an impact on the performance of the competences in question, and (2) the output of applying this methodology, i.e. a contextually enriched competence model in the field of sustainable manufacturing that can be used to facilitate the design of the TEL content for serious games and simulations. The work presented in the paper is a part of the European Seventh Framework Programme Integrated Project TARGET, the main aim of which is to develop a new genre of TEL environments that can be effectively used in engineering education to support future engineersʼ rapid competence development in the field of sustainable manufacturing.
Ključne besede: sustainable manufacturing, engineering education, technology enhanced learning, serious games, TARGET, contextually enruched competence model, systems/holistic thinking
Objavljeno v RUP: 15.10.2013; Ogledov: 5006; Prenosov: 110
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