A Human-centered Approach Towards Sustainable Teaching and Learning in the Arab Region

Ensuring sustainable teaching and learning is a global priority, as it equips individuals and societies with the skills needed to address current challenges while preparing for the future. This conceptual paper presents perspectives, interpretations, and recommendations that foster sustainability within the higher education systems of the Arab region. It thoughtfully demystifies the concept of sustainability in education and identifies educational approaches that promote it. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study examines the implementation of these approaches in Arab universities, highlighting key challenges and limitations. The study’s findings underscore adopting a human-centered approach in education as a pathway to achieving sustainable teaching and learning (STL) and advancing the limitations. The study identified the significance of three interconnected pillars essential for achieving sustainable teaching and learning: establishing human-centered professional development programs, adopting human-centered learning design approaches, and fostering a human-centered approach for open educational practices, within Arab universities. Together, these pillars serve as a foundation for sustainable teaching and learning, ensuring that universities remain adaptable and aligned with both regional needs and global development.