Abstract:

Although Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are a key element of Agenda 2030 of United Nations, their awareness among general population and, in particular, higher education students is very limited. Higher education institutions can promote SDG in different ways within their programs. In the present study a survey was conducted in several subjects of Universitat Politècnica de València after activities related to SDG in each of the subjects had been performed. Previous studies reported a moderate awareness of SDG but a lack of deep knowledge. Subjects involved in this study developed a series of activities focused on improving knowledge of SDG and results of the survey showed that students improved their knowledge about SDG and made them reflect on them. Higher education is a good place to support students about SDG, as they will be relevant in their future professional career. However, results show that not all the students agree that specific subjects about SDG should be implemented and rather they can be included in current subjects. In general, no differences were observed regarding subject, gender or language used as medium of instruction. Further assessment of the level of improvement of SDG knowledge should be carried out and more activities should be implemented. It is desirable a coordinated SDG implementation in each program of the university and in the whole university.

Keywords:

Sustainability, SDG, integral education, assessment, teaching methodologies.