Problem-based learning continues to evolve as educators, researchers, and practitioners seek new ways to engage learners in addressing complex real-world challenges. Published by Emerald Publishing, the Contemporary Perspectives on Problem-Based Learning series invites proposals for authored and edited volumes that advance understanding of PBL across educational, professional, community, and global contexts.
The series serves as a forum for scholarship that bridges theory and practice while highlighting the transformative potential of inquiry, collaboration, and authentic problem solving. Particularly distinctive is the series’ interest in community-engaged and partnership-based problem-based learning, exploring how educators, students, scholars, organizations, and communities work together to address complex challenges through reciprocal relationships, collaborative inquiry, and co-created knowledge.
We are especially interested in projects that explore emerging theories, innovative applications, and future directions that expand how problem-based learning is conceptualized, implemented, and studied. We welcome proposals that make significant contributions to the field while offering practical and scholarly insights for educators, researchers, community-engaged scholars, organizational leaders, and professional practitioners.
Proposals may focus on research, theory, practice, policy, or a combination of these perspectives. Both authored and edited volumes are encouraged.
Featured Areas of Interest
- Emerging Theories and Frameworks for Problem-Based Learning
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Complex Problem Solving
- Community-Engaged and Partnership-Based Problem-Based Learning
- Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Problem-Based Learning
- Equity, Social Justice, and Inclusive Problem-Based Learning
- Sustainability and Global Challenges Through Problem-Based Learning
Proposals addressing other innovative topics related to problem-based learning are also encouraged.
List of topic areas
- Emerging theories and conceptual frameworks
- Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary learning
- Community-engaged and partnership-based PBL
- Artificial intelligence and digital learning environments
- Equity, inclusion, and social justice
- Sustainability and environmental challenges
- Global and comparative perspectives
- Professional and organizational learning
- Leadership development through PBL
- Innovative research methodologies in PBL.
Submission information
The Series Editors invite proposals for:
Authored Volumes
Single-author or co-authored scholarly books that provide a sustained examination of a significant topic related to problem-based learning.
Edited Volumes
Collections that bring together multiple contributors around a coherent theme, emerging issue, or area of practice related to problem-based learning.
Proposals should be approximately 5-8 pages (excluding curriculum vitae and supplementary materials) and include:
- Title of proposed volume
- Overview, purpose, and rationale
- Intended audience
- Scholarly contribution and significance
- Proposed table of contents with chapter descriptions
- Five to seven keywords
- Estimated manuscript length
- Sample chapter
- Curriculum vitae for all authors/editors
- Proposed publication timeline.
For edited volumes, please include information about prospective contributors when available.
Proposal Submission
Dr. Colette M. Taylor
Seattle University
Dr. Trenia L. Walker
University of New Mexico
Key deadlines
Open and Rolling Submission
Process Proposals are accepted throughout the year and reviewed on a rolling basis. Prospective authors and editors are encouraged to contact the Series Editors to discuss ideas prior to submission.
For more details refer here


