Data_Collection_Five-Element_Model

Against the backdrop of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and rapid Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancement, higher education is in dire need of sustainable transformation. This study examined the “Faculty-Student-AI-Environment-Culture” five-element synergistic model via a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design (431 survey responses, 42 semi-structured interviews in China). The five core dimensions collectively explained 38.5% of teaching effectiveness variance (〖Adj.R〗^2=0.385), with Environmental Support (β=0.207,p<0.001) and AI Synergy (β=0.197,p<0.001) as the most critical drivers, followed by Student Agency Activation (β=0.169,p<0.001), Faculty Role Adaptation (β=0.167,p<0.001), and Cultural Adaptability (β=0.115,p=0.008). No significant disciplinary (F(2,428)=0.635,p=0.530,η²≈0.003) or institutional (F(2,428)=0.249,p=0.779,η^2≈0.001) disparities were observed, confirming the model’s strong generalizability. Key implementation barriers included the Digital Divide (β=-0.371,p<0.001), Faculty Adaptation Anxiety (β=-0.336,p<0.001), and marginally significant Ethical Concerns (β=-0.184,p=0.054), while Institutional Barriers (β=-0.098,p=0.306) were non-significant. A “Layered Empowerment-Precise Adaptation-Dynamic Optimization” framework was developed, offering scalable, equity-centered guidance for global institutions aligned with SDG 4 and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).