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Service-Learning Projects in University Degrees Based on Sustainable Development Goals: Proposals and Results

Author

Listed:
  • Paula M. Castro

    (Department of Computer Engineering & CITIC Research Center, University of A Coruña, 16071 A Coruña, Spain
    These authors have equally contributed to this work.)

  • Ana Ares-Pernas

    (Department of Physics and Earth Sciences & Polymers Group, Research Technological Center, University of A Coruña, 15403 Ferrol, Spain
    These authors have equally contributed to this work.)

  • Adriana Dapena

    (Department of Computer Engineering & CITIC Research Center, University of A Coruña, 16071 A Coruña, Spain
    These authors have equally contributed to this work.)

Abstract

We present several Service-Learning projects developed considering Sustainable Development Goals to provide the students skills for the support of a sustainable society. This project begins with collecting initial impressions from surveys and reflections to know both the students’ expectations and their degree of involvement in the development of a sustainable society. Next, the students design academic projects taking into account the needs of the specific collective to which the Service-Learning activity is oriented. When this design has finished, such projects are developed with the users and the activity is evaluated. During 2019–2020, these projects were done with four entities oriented to people either with Asperger’s syndrome, Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease or mental health illnesses. A total of 35 and 10 students, respectively, from the Bachelor’s Degree of Engineering in Industrial Design and Product Development and from the Master’s Degree in Professorship of High School have participated in this experience. We analyze the results from the perspective of the different agents involved, considering both qualitative and quantitative metrics. The results show that both users and staff are satisfied with this collaboration between the university and their entities. Moreover, this experience clearly has contributed to a better personal and professional student’s development.

Suggested Citation

  • Paula M. Castro & Ana Ares-Pernas & Adriana Dapena, 2020. "Service-Learning Projects in University Degrees Based on Sustainable Development Goals: Proposals and Results," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-23, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:19:p:7940-:d:419454
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luis Cabedo & Marta Royo & Lidón Moliner & Teresa Guraya, 2018. "University Social Responsibility towards Engineering Undergraduates: The Effect of Methodology on a Service-Learning Experience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Yoon Jung Choi & Minjung Oh & Jihye Kang & Loren Lutzenhiser, 2017. "Plans and Living Practices for the Green Campus of Portland State University," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-16, February.
    3. Izabela Simon Rampasso & Osvaldo L. G. Quelhas & Rosley Anholon & Marcio B. Pereira & Jocimar D. A. Miranda & Wenderson S. Alvarenga, 2020. "Engineering Education for Sustainable Development: Evaluation Criteria for Brazilian Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-11, May.
    4. Pedro J. Ruiz-Montero & Oscar Chiva-Bartoll & Celina Salvador-García & Cristian González-García, 2020. "Learning with Older Adults through Intergenerational Service Learning in Physical Education Teacher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-14, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pilar Aramburuzabala & Rosario Cerrillo, 2023. "Service-Learning as an Approach to Educating for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Alberto Martín-Sánchez & David González-Gómez & Jin Su Jeong, 2022. "Service Learning as an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Teaching Strategy: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation in a STEM University Course," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-14, June.

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