The development of critical thinking (CT) enhances academic and professional opportunities. A review of literature reveals the use of fragmented analysis techniques, such as descriptive and correlational methods, among others, which hinder a deeper understanding of CT levels. This research aims to develop a methodology for analyzing Critical Thinking test scores, integrating five phases: exploratory, item analysis, scoring, gap analysis, and correlational. Using a quantitative approach, CT skills were analyzed with the Halpern Critical Thinking Assessment, which includes both open- and closed-ended questions to measure five skills: Verbal Reasoning (VR), Argument Analysis (AA), Hypothesis Testing (HT), Probability Use (PU), and Problem Solving (PS). The sample consisted of 214 students aged 18 and older. The item analysis phase categorized the items into quadrants: satisfactory, for review, or for elimination, based on difficulty and discrimination indices. The gap analysis revealed that Verbal Reasoning and open-ended formats were less satisfactory. The correlational phase, using heat maps, showed a stronger association between Verbal Reasoning and Probability Use. The methodological contributions include a variety of strategies that provide recommended procedures for analyzing tests or questionnaires in general. In today’s digital age, the development of critical thinking is not only a desirable skill but an essential necessity for the higher education system.

On the basis of the enlightenment of international engineering education accreditation for the reform and development of higher education in China, combined with the important measures of the national “double first-class” construction, new challenges have been proposed for innovative talent cultivation among engineering majors in the context of promoting national development. These challenges also promote the reform of science-oriented courses among engineering majors. As a core mandatory course for engineering majors, biochemistry plays a crucial role in the entire educational process at universities, serving as a bridge between basic and specialized courses. To address challenges such as limited course resources, insufficient development of students’ advanced thinking and innovation skills, and overly standardized assessment methods, the bioengineering major from Guilin University of Technology restructured the biochemistry course content. A blended teaching model termed “three integrations, three stages, one sharing”, was implemented. This effort has yielded significant results, providing a research foundation for constructing an innovative talent cultivation system that is oriented toward industry needs within modern industrial colleges. It also offers valuable insights into and reference points for the cultivation of engineering talents and curriculum reform in local universities.

Background: Sustainability plays a crucial role in the development of the education sector. It is analyzed that higher education institutions (HEIs) continuously working on the adoption of sustainable practices for carrying out business operations in the long run. Agenda 2030 is a comprehensive, multifaceted strategy that serve as an important framework for the comparison to uphold different principles. Additionally, the UN 2030 Agenda concerning sustainable development is introduced as global idea of balanced development. The 2030 Agenda and SDGs representing the program related to global development programs. Higher education institutions also working on the adoption of sustainable development perspective and the issues linked with them. Aim: The main aim of the study is to determine the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the university community for achieving sustainability in HEIs. Policy Implementation: Adopting sustainable behavior is encouraged when policies are implemented well. Universities have the authority to develop and implement sustainability policies that set guidelines and requirements. Topics like waste reduction, environmentally friendly transportation, and environmentally friendly buying may be covered by the sustainability policies. Acting sustainably is encouraged among university community members through the implementation of sustainability policies. Conclusion: Findings stated efforts across sectors for the promotion of awareness and alignment with the 2030 Agenda consider a comprehensive strategy for addressing humanity, nature, and human rights. In higher education institutions, the role of education emerges as pivotal, developing green practices, development of campuses, and attracting students globally. In HEIs green practices are carried out for the development of the campus and activities in the future terms. Universities also supported in the adoption of sustainability in working education institutes international students are also attracted to them. It is identified that educators are playing an important role in achieving sustainability aspects in the education sector.

The COVID-19 epidemic caused unexpected complications, complexities and challenges in higher educational institutions (HEIs). In order to promote and strengthen the role of women leadership, this study aimed to clarify the unique challenges faced by female leaders at Saudi HEIs during the epidemic, find possible solutions to these challenges, and provide policy as well as management implications. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, examining 27 records (i.e., research papers, articles and conference studies). The data were qualitatively analysed and categorized based on themes like challenges faced, opportunities recognized, and solutions proposed. Findings highlighted women leaders in Saudi HEIs grappled with multiple challenges, including technological barriers, cultural constraints, and increased workloads. Merging challenges with solvable strategies offers a forward-looking perspective, advocating for systemic changes that can shape a resilient and inclusive future for HEIs in Saudi Arabia.