IMPACT OF THE TEACHING OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN A PUBLIC INSTITUTION IN NORTHERN MEXICO
Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (MEXICO)
About this paper:
Conference name: 17th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
Dates: 11-13 November, 2024
Location: Seville, Spain
Abstract:
In today's interconnected world, the concept of social responsibility extends beyond corporate entities to individuals, especially those in academic institutions. Universities are increasingly recognized as central environments for cultivating social responsibility in students, equipping them with the values and skills necessary to address complex societal challenges. Integrating social responsibility into higher education curricula enhances students' ethical and moral development and prepares them to make positive contributions to their communities and society at large. This emphasis on social responsibility responds to the growing demand for educational institutions to produce graduates who are not only professionally competent but also socially conscious and proactive in promoting sustainability and ethical practices.
The primary objective is to evaluate the impact of social responsibility education on university students by comparing their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors at the beginning and end of the semester. The research seeks to understand the degree of impact on students' active and sustained engagement in social responsibility.
This research used a mixed methods approach incorporating qualitative and quantitative elements. The study began with surveys administered to students at the beginning and end of the semester. For the quantitative component, the research used a well-established questionnaire that assessed four key areas: personal discovery of values, development of social responsibility, commitment to others and the environment, and application of these principles in professional settings. The qualitative portion of the study included a virtual survey designed to uncover students' underlying motivations, perceived barriers, and influential experiences related to their social and environmental responsibility. Analytical methods included using t-tests and ANOVA to statistically compare mean scores across student groups.
Data analysis included a student t-test for independent samples and ANOVA to compare means between the two groups.
The results showed a significant increase in students' social responsibility scores at the end of the semester compared to the beginning. This indicates a strong impact of social responsibility education on students. The results highlight those students demonstrated greater awareness of ethical and social values, increased participation in community projects, and a stronger commitment to integrating social responsibility into their future professional practice.
The study concludes that social responsibility education significantly increases students' commitment to ethical and social values. The research provides important information for developing improvement models to increase student participation in socially responsible activities. The findings support the need for ongoing educational and practical measures to foster a university community that is more aware, participatory, and committed to social responsibility. This research not only diagnoses the current state but also aims to develop strategies to further engage students in social responsibility and contribute to building a better world.Keywords:
Social Responsibility, University Students, Ethical Values, Mixed Methods, Curriculum Design.