Advancing University Education: Exploring the Benefits of Education for Sustainable Development

Diego Bonilla-Jurado, Ember Zumba, Araceli Lucio-Quintana, Carlos Yerbabuena-Torres, Andrea Ramírez-Casco and Cesar Guevara ()
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Diego Bonilla-Jurado: Centro de Innovación y Transferencia Tecnológica, Instituto Superior Tecnológico España, Ambato 180103, Ecuador
Ember Zumba: Carrera de Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Mecánica, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060106, Ecuador
Araceli Lucio-Quintana: Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias Recursos Naturales y del Ambiente, Universidad Estatal de Bolívar, Guaranda 020103, Ecuador
Carlos Yerbabuena-Torres: Carrera de Pedagogía de la Historia y las Ciencias Sociales, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación Humanas y Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060110, Ecuador
Andrea Ramírez-Casco: Carrera de Finanzas, Facultad Administración de Empresas (FADE), Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060106, Ecuador
Cesar Guevara: Centro de Investigación en Mecatrónica y Sistemas Interactivos (MIST), Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Ambato 180103, Ecuador

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-27

Abstract: This article addresses the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in higher education institutions, exploring its effects on academic performance and students’ ability to address sustainability challenges. Using the PRISMA 2020 methodology for a systematic literature review, 50 relevant articles were selected from 543 records, providing data on the academic impacts of ESD through bibliometric approaches and surveys. The results revealed that ESD improves academic performance, motivation and engagement, as well as enhances students’ ability to solve complex problems sustainably. However, significant barriers, such as a lack of resources and adequate teacher training, hinder effective implementation. Approximately 60% of students in ESD programs show greater motivation and analytical abilities compared to 50% in traditional programs. ESD enriches academic training and equips students with essential practical skills, preparing them to be agents of positive change. Incorporating emerging technologies and participatory learning methods is crucial to enhancing ESD effectiveness. Greater investment in teacher training and standardized educational materials, along with the promotion of international collaboration to share resources and best practices, is required.

Keywords: higher education; participatory learning; sustainability; sustainable education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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