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Sustainability Literacy as a Key to a Better Future: A Look at Higher Education

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  • Ajda Fošner

    (Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Izolska vrata 2, 6000 Koper, Slovenia)

Abstract

This study examines the sustainability knowledge of Slovenian students across environmental, social, and economic dimensions through an enhanced version of the ASK test. The results of 314 fully completed tests highlight foundational awareness of environmental impacts and sustainable development but also significant gaps in understanding the effectiveness of various sustainability practices. With a performance stratification analysis, educational gaps are identified, suggesting the need for curriculum adjustments. Moreover, using the ANOVA test, it is shown that students’ academic levels and fields of study significantly affect their sustainability knowledge, underscoring the need for targeted educational approaches to better prepare students for future sustainability challenges. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing sustainability education, providing valuable insights for educators and policymakers striving to enhance curricular effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Ajda Fošner, 2025. "Sustainability Literacy as a Key to a Better Future: A Look at Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:987-:d:1577097
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chandra Sekhar & Reeta Raina, 2021. "Towards more sustainable future: assessment of sustainability literacy among the future managers in India," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(11), pages 15830-15856, November.
    2. Zaloa Aginako & Teresa Guraya, 2021. "Students’ Perception about Sustainability in the Engineering School of Bilbao (University of the Basque Country): Insertion Level and Importance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-20, August.
    3. Miguel Leiva-Brondo & Natalia Lajara-Camilleri & Anna Vidal-Meló & Alejandro Atarés & Cristina Lull, 2022. "Spanish University Students’ Awareness and Perception of Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainability Literacy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-26, April.
    4. 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.
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