The sustainable development in Portuguese higher education institutions: An exploratory study of students' perceptions

Aleixo, Ana Marta; Leal, Susana; Azeiteiro, Ulisses

Publication

The sustainable development in Portuguese higher education institutions: An exploratory study of students' perceptions

2020Conference object

dc.contributor.author	Aleixo, Ana Marta
dc.contributor.author	Leal, Susana
dc.contributor.author	Azeiteiro, Ulisses
dc.date.accessioned	2020-02-13T15:03:21Z
dc.date.available	2020-02-13T15:03:21Z
dc.date.issued	2020
dc.description.abstract	Purpose: This study presents a descriptive and exploratory research about the understanding of sustainable development (SD) among public higher education institutions’ students, in Portugal. It explores the student’s perspectives about SD through the analysis of their attitudes, skills and experiences on the theme. Their knowledge about sustainable development goals (SDGs), and their opinion about the importance of SD as future professionals were also under consideration. Method: The research design of the study follows a descriptive and exploratory approach with a quantitative reporting of results. It was used an on-line questionnaire, adapted from the National Union Students (2018), to obtain the data. A sample of 1257 students from the Portuguese public higher education institutions (HEIs) was obtained. Findings: Students consider that HEIs can do more in terms of education for SD namely: (i) offer free SD courses/workshops; (ii) streamline/develop actions on SD; (iii) encourage volunteer actions in the community, and (iv) promote student participation in practical on-campus actions. Students also consider that secondary education was the educational path that most encouraged to think and act in ways that help the environment and people. Most students already have heard about SDGs and know what they are, however, only a small number of students are actively involved in activities organized by their HEI. Research limitations: This research has a national scope. Social implications: This study provides valuable insights for future implementation processes supporting the integration to sustainability in HEIs. Originality/value: The study helps to better understand the students’ perceptions about SD and the role of HEIs to improve it, namely in Portugal where the studies about the theme are scarce. The results could be used by HEIs to introduce the SD topics in formal and informal education, as well as to improve it integration on campus activities.	pt_PT
dc.description.version	info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion	pt_PT
dc.identifier.citation	Aleixo, Ana & Leal, Susana & Azeiteiro, Ulisses. (2020). The sustainable development in Portuguese higher education institutions: An exploratory study of students' perceptions.	pt_PT
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/4664
dc.language.iso	eng	pt_PT
dc.peerreviewed	no	pt_PT
dc.subject	Higher education institutions	pt_PT
dc.subject	Perceptions	pt_PT
dc.subject	Students	pt_PT
dc.subject	Sustainability	pt_PT
dc.subject	Sustainable development goals	pt_PT
dc.title	The sustainable development in Portuguese higher education institutions: An exploratory study of students' perceptions	pt_PT
dc.type	conference object
dspace.entity.type	Publication
oaire.citation.title	ICOMTT2020. International Conference on Management Technology and Tourism. Santarém, February 6-7, 2020, Portugal	pt_PT
person.familyName	Aleixo
person.givenName	Ana
person.identifier.orcid	0000-0002-4541-4560
person.identifier.rid	K-7901-2018
person.identifier.scopus-author-id	57200016447
rcaap.rights	openAccess	pt_PT
rcaap.type	conferenceObject	pt_PT
relation.isAuthorOfPublication	a9de9356-ecb5-4ed7-a3e1-c5860be62dc9
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