Call for Chapters: Community Engagement, Universal Design, and Service Learning in Higher Education

Editors

Marisa Maia Machado, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Maria Tavares, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Jorge Mota, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Ana Marques dos Santos, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Ana Quesado, University of Aveiro, Portugal

Call for Chapters

Proposals Submission Deadline: May 30, 2026
 Full Chapters Due: August 22, 2026
 Submission Date: August 22, 2026

Introduction

Educational systems face increasing challenges in a world characterized by social, environmental, and digital complexity, requiring more inclusive, flexible, and socially engaged pedagogical approaches. In this context, Service-Learning (SL) emerges as an innovative methodology that integrates academic learning with active community engagement, fostering critical reflection and the development of global citizenship competencies. At the same time, the integration of student-centered pedagogies, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) highlights the need for accessible, equitable, and action-oriented learning environments. The articulation of these approaches supports diverse learners and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This book aims to explore the intersection of Service-Learning, inclusive pedagogies, UDL, sustainability, and digital innovation, bringing together contributions that showcase practices, models, and research across different educational levels and contexts. In doing so, it seeks to strengthen the connection between education, community, and society, promoting meaningful and transformative learning.

Objective

The main objective of this book is to bring together theoretical, empirical, and practical contributions that examine Service-Learning as an inclusive, student-centered, and sustainability-oriented pedagogical approach. Specifically, the book aims to: • Analyze the contribution of Service-Learning to inclusive pedagogies and UDL; • Explore its implementation across different educational levels and contexts; • Discuss strategies for institutionalization, governance, and sustainability of Service-Learning; • Highlight the role of partnerships between educational institutions and community organizations; • Assess the impact of Service-Learning on students’ academic, personal, and civic development; • Link this approach to ESD and the SDGs; • Integrate international perspectives, including frameworks such as the OECD Learning Compass; • Explore the role of digital technologies and innovative approaches, such as game-based learning; • Contribute to advancing research and strengthening collaborative networks between academia and the community.

Target Audience

This book is intended for researchers, academics, and professionals interested in pedagogical innovation, inclusive education, and sustainability. In particular, it will be relevant to: • Researchers in the fields of education, social sciences, and humanities; • Teachers and educators across all levels of education; • Graduate students; • Policymakers and institutional leaders; • Professionals involved in Service-Learning projects; • Practitioners and leaders of civil society organizations; • Community partners of educational institutions; • Instructional designers and specialists in digital and inclusive education.

Recommended Topics

Chapters may address, but are not limited to, the following topics: • Theoretical foundations of Service-Learning • Service-Learning and inclusive student-centered pedagogies • Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Service-Learning contexts • Implementation of Service-Learning across different educational levels • Partnerships between education, community, and society • Co-creation of knowledge and civic engagement • Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) • Integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Service-Learning • Development of transformative competencies • Pedagogical innovation and active learning methodologies • Digital technologies in Service-Learning • Game-based learning and digital strategies for sustainability • Assessment of learning and social impact • Teacher education and professional development • Institutionalization and policies for promoting Service-Learning • Collaboration networks and educational ecosystems • National and international case studies and best practices • Ethical, pedagogical, and organizational challenges

Submission Procedure

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before May 30, 2026, a chapter proposal of 1,000 to 2,000 words clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors will be notified by June 13, 2026 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines.Full chapters of a minimum of 10,000 words (word count includes references and related readings) are expected to be submitted by August 22, 2026, and all interested authors must consult the guidelines for manuscript submissions at https://www.igi-global.com/publish/contributor-resources/before-you-write/ prior to submission. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-anonymized review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project.

Note: There are no submission or acceptance fees for manuscripts submitted to this book publication, Community Engagement, Universal Design, and Service Learning in Higher Education. All manuscripts are accepted based on a double-anonymized peer review editorial process.

All proposals should be submitted through the eEditorial Discovery® online submission manager.

Publisher

This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, an international academic publisher of the "Information Science Reference", "Medical Information Science Reference", "Business Science Reference", and "Engineering Science Reference" imprints. IGI Global Scientific Publishing specializes in publishing reference books, scholarly journals, and electronic databases featuring academic research on a variety of innovative topic areas including, but not limited to, education, social science, medicine and healthcare, business and management, information science and technology, engineering, public administration, library and information science, media and communication studies, and environmental science. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit https://www.igi-global.com. This publication is anticipated to be released in 2027.

Indexing Information for Prospective Authors

IGI Global Scientific Publishing meets the criteria for inclusion in major indexing services such as Scopus; however, it is important to note that all indexing decisions are made independently by these services. IGI Global Scientific Publishing books are selectively indexed by the indexing organization after publication. Indexing cannot be guaranteed for any book prior to publication, and the indexing organization has complete control over the final selection and timeline.

Important Dates

May 30, 2026: Proposal Submission Deadline
June 13, 2026: Notification of Acceptance
August 22, 2026: Full Chapter Submission
October 3, 2026: Review Results Returned
October 31, 2026: Final Acceptance Notification
November 7, 2026: Final Chapter Submission

Inquiries

Marisa Maia Machado
University of Aveiro
mamm@ua.pt

Maria Tavares
University of Aveiro
mariatavares@ua.pt

Jorge Mota
University of Aveiro
jorgemota@ua.pt

Ana Marques dos Santos
University of Aveiro
a.t.marques.santos@ua.pt

Ana Quesado
University of Aveiro
anaquesado@ua.pt
Back to Call for Papers List