Digital learning outcomes and sustainable learning in higher education: The roles of music-integrated pedagogy and deep learning orientation.

Sustainable learning in today's digital higher education relies on integrating novel pedagogical approaches, student cognition, and digital competencies to yield sustainable learning outcomes. This study applied Transformative Learning Theory to examine how music-integrated pedagogical practices influence sustainable learning outcomes, considering the mediating role of a deep learning orientation and the moderating effect of digital learning outcomes. Using non-probability convenience sampling, data collected from 375 undergraduate and graduate students in Northern Cyprus were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling in SmartPLS version 4. The results revealed that music-integrated pedagogical approaches significantly and positively associated with sustainable learning outcomes and deep learning orientation. Further, the deep learning orientation significantly and positively influences sustainable learning outcomes and partially mediates the music-integrated pedagogical approaches and sustainable learning outcomes. Additionally, digital learning outcomes moderated the relationships between music-integrated pedagogical approaches and a deep learning orientation, as well as across sustainable learning outcomes. This study illustrates how innovative pedagogy, deep learning orientation, and digital learning outcomes are jointly associated with enhanced educational sustainability. The research provides both theoretical and practical perspectives for sustainability-focused higher education systems.