Formal and Non-Formal Learning Contexts: Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Educational Sciences

Dear Colleagues,

The dialogue between formal and non-formal learning has become increasingly relevant in educational sciences, offering opportunities to foster innovation, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Today’s educational systems face the challenge of integrating diverse approaches and environments to create effective, equitable, and sustainable learning pathways. Exploring how these contexts intersect allows for the development of models that respond to current societal needs, including wellbeing, digitalization, and active citizenship.

This Topic aims to gather interdisciplinary contributions that examine the interplay between formal and non-formal education through theoretical insights, empirical research, and innovative practices. Our goal is to provide researchers, educators, and policymakers with evidence-based perspectives to guide the design and implementation of programmes across multiple learning settings.

We welcome original articles, reviews, and case studies addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Strategies for integrating formal and non-formal learning;
• Pedagogical models for inclusion and participation;
• The role of sports and physical activity;
• Non-formal education for wellbeing and personal growth;
• Teacher training and professional development;
• Technology to connect and strengthen learning;
• Comparative and interdisciplinary approaches.

By highlighting best practices, this Topic seeks to promote a more interconnected and flexible vision of education, capable of meeting contemporary social and cultural challenges.

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Davide Di Palma
Prof. Dr. Domenico Tafuri
Dr. Antonio Ascione
Topic Editors