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What Do University Students Know about Sustainable Development Goals? A Realistic Approach to the Reception of this UN Program Amongst the Youth Population

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  • Francisco Zamora-Polo

    (Departamento de Ingeniería del Diseño, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, 41011 Sevilla, Spain
    Energética y de los Materiales, Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Escuela de Ingenierías Industriales, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain)

  • Jesús Sánchez-Martín

    (Departamento de Didáctica de las Ciencias Experimentales y Matemáticas, Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain)

  • Mario Corrales-Serrano

    (Departamento de Didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales, Lengua y Literatura, Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain)

  • Luis Espejo-Antúnez

    (Departamento de Terapeútica Médico-Quirúrgica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain)

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) constitute a working agenda for the international community with the aim of ensuring a better world for future generations. In this context, the development of competences related to SDGs is a challenge for Higher Education Institutions. Although there are several studies that address the relationship between SDGs and university teaching, the students’ knowledge about this subject has not been set out yet. In order to evaluate students’ knowledge, a questionnaire was designed, validated, and administered to students from different degrees. Statistical analysis showed a high reliability for the constructs (Smallest Cronbach’s Alfa = 0.859). The results showed interesting insights, either with descriptive analysis or inferential ones. For example, a low knowledge, in a general way, of SDGs was identified in the whole sample; significant differences between the scores obtained in professional and personal implications of SDGs were also detected and several differences arose between Health and Education students, the latter being more professionally involved with SDGs than the rest of the students.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Zamora-Polo & Jesús Sánchez-Martín & Mario Corrales-Serrano & Luis Espejo-Antúnez, 2019. "What Do University Students Know about Sustainable Development Goals? A Realistic Approach to the Reception of this UN Program Amongst the Youth Population," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:13:p:3533-:d:243425
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    References listed on IDEAS

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