In the European higher education context, an LAS approach can go a long way to transforming educational cultures. The descriptions below characterize the LAS approach and feature throughout this guide.

Europe’s big societal challenges – whether they regard climate change, renewable energy, healthy ageing, migration, the development of a united and fair Europe, or any other major issue we face – need to be addressed by using scientific knowledge from a variety of disciplines and fields. At its finest, LAS-oriented teaching and learning transcends disciplinary stances and lenses by looking at an issue or problem first, and then  and then draws on the required disciplines to address it.

Beyond acquiring a broad range of knowledge, “future leaders will have to be able to overcome the many divisions, boundaries, and segmentations of today’s world in order to solve its problems.” The LAS approach is particularly well suited for this endeavour, with its emphases on intercultural competence, collaborative learning, problem-based pedagogy, and oral and written communication.

The acquisition of knowledge and applicable skills does not end upon graduation. However, for university students to meet the challenges of the 21st century, they must not only embrace the importance for learning beyond the classroom (lifelong learning), but also continuously hone their critical thinking skills, their ability to verify the credibility of information and what information gaps exist, and to apply knowledge to effect positive change in their communities and beyond. Fostering these skills and values is foundational to the LAS approach.