Topic Editors

School of Industrial Engineering, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
Center of Physics of the Universities of Minho and Porto, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Department of Specific Didactics, Universidad de Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain

Education for Sustainable Development and Science Teaching

Abstract submission deadline
1 July 2024
Manuscript submission deadline
31 December 2024
Viewed by
4961

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

For several decades, it has been assumed that human influence causes an imbalance between economic development, social welfare and environmental protection that cannot be easily neutralised. The various appeals from the international scientific community, NGOs and the UN itself have had less impact than expected, although we can recently find these issues integrated into the educational curriculum in several countries. It therefore seems urgent and necessary to involve the educational field at all levels to take the necessary actions to address the situation. In particular, since the 2030 Agenda was proposed, several universities and research institutions highlight the need to develop sustainable education. Various efforts and proposals related to quality education, poverty, development, human rights and care for the environment are part of the strategic plans of institutions and are ongoing goals that are promoted at all levels of education. In addition, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), institutions promote various activities such as the proposal of several conferences focused on the SDGs, the funding of research and innovation grants, the promotion of associations and social groups, regional, national and European projects and grants, and specific actions for each goal. It seems logical to think that the seed should be planted in education. As students first, and then as citizens, Education for Sustainable Development will provide the acquisition of skills, competences and attitudes, as well as the knowledge and values needed to provide a sustainable future for all. Although there are already important initiatives that are proving capable of raising students' interest in these issues, many of them are limited in scope. Further dissemination in an appropriate context could enable them to be applied on a wider scale and have a greater impact. The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together the most relevant current contributions in this field to serve as a model and example for others, convinced that only with the involvement of educators will it be possible to create true education for sustainable development. Therefore, we are honoured to serve as the guest editors of this Special Issue, which will contain articles related to the field of Education for Sustainable Development. We cordially invite researchers to submit their contributions, both original research articles and review articles, for this Special Issue.

Dr. José Benito Vázquez Dorrío
Prof. Dr. Araceli Queiruga-Dios
Dr. Manuel Filipe P. C. M. Costa
Prof. Dr. Miguel Ángel Queiruga Dios
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • education for sustainable development
  • sustainable development goals
  • citizen participation
  • social service
  • citizen science
  • service learning

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Education Sciences
education
3.0 4.0 2011 24.9 Days CHF 1800 Submit
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
ejihpe
3.2 3.5 2011 20.1 Days CHF 1400 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.9 5.8 2009 18.8 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Trends in Higher Education
higheredu
- - 2022 18.9 Days CHF 1000 Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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16 pages, 262 KiB  
Article
Secondary Stage Science Teachers’ Perceptions toward STEM Education in Saudi Arabia
by Mohammad Khair M. Alsalamat
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3634; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093634 - 26 Apr 2024
Viewed by 218
Abstract
Many Saudi students lack the motivation to pursue STEM careers due to their teachers’ limited experience and low efficacy in teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Teachers’ perceptions are central to efficient STEM education; however, little is known about the perceptions of [...] Read more.
Many Saudi students lack the motivation to pursue STEM careers due to their teachers’ limited experience and low efficacy in teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Teachers’ perceptions are central to efficient STEM education; however, little is known about the perceptions of teachers toward STEM education in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study attempted to identify the perceptions of secondary stage science teachers toward STEM education and their knowledge about the requirements for its implementation. The study also investigated whether there were statistically significant differences that could be attributed to teachers’ qualifications, years of experience, and specialization variables. A questionnaire was applied to 175 in-service science teachers. The results showed that the secondary stage science teachers had a medium level of positive perceptions toward STEM education and a high level of knowledge about the requirements for its implementation. It was also revealed that there were statistically significant differences in teachers’ perceptions due to their qualifications and years of experience, in favor of teachers with graduate degrees and with more years of experience, while there were no statistically significant differences due to teachers’ specialization. Based on the findings of this study, a number of recommendations on improving science teachers’ knowledge of STEM education and the requirements for its implementation are provided. Full article
27 pages, 3372 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Complexity of Adaptive Teaching Expertise within Knowledge Generation Environments
by Jee Kyung Suh, Brian Hand, Jale Ercan-Dursun, Ercin Sahin and Gavin Fulmer
Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14040415 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 450
Abstract
The shift towards Next Generation Science Standards represents a paradigmatic change in teaching, transitioning from knowledge transmission to knowledge generation approaches. This reform underscores the complexity of teaching expertise, extending beyond mere knowledge to require a profound comprehension of generative learning environments. In [...] Read more.
The shift towards Next Generation Science Standards represents a paradigmatic change in teaching, transitioning from knowledge transmission to knowledge generation approaches. This reform underscores the complexity of teaching expertise, extending beyond mere knowledge to require a profound comprehension of generative learning environments. In this study, we explore Adaptive Teaching Expertise (AdTex), defining it as a teacher’s capacity characterized by fluidity and reflexiveness in teaching dynamics, rather than just flexibility. Through a complexity framing approach, we delineate three layers of AdTex: the visible actions of teachers, the semi-visible use of epistemic tools such as language, dialogue, and argument, and the tacit orientations towards learning that encompass epistemological, ontological, and axiological dimensions. Our research primarily investigates the intricate relationship between the epistemic tool and orientation layers. Our findings highlight the significance of an interconnected understanding and the impact of philosophical orientations on adaptive teaching practices. A notable contribution of this study is the development of a framework that articulates the belief and knowledge systems crucial for fostering generative learning environments, alongside the introduction of complexity maps to illustrate the interplay among these subsystems. Full article
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23 pages, 1995 KiB  
Article
Students’ Perception of Sustainable Development in Higher Education in Saudi Arabia
by Eman S. Abowardah, Wafa Labib, Hadeer Aboelnagah and Mohammad Nurunnabi
Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1483; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041483 - 09 Feb 2024
Viewed by 985
Abstract
The role of higher education institutions in laying the foundations of sustainable development is undeniable. As the principal educators of tomorrow’s leaders, such institutions can tremendously contribute to implementing and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many studies highlighted the significance [...] Read more.
The role of higher education institutions in laying the foundations of sustainable development is undeniable. As the principal educators of tomorrow’s leaders, such institutions can tremendously contribute to implementing and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many studies highlighted the significance of the students’ awareness and the level of their active engagement as crucial elements in achieving the desired results. Therefore, measuring such awareness and its effect on their daily life and behavior is fundamental in implementing the SDGs. The current study employs an online survey to explore the awareness level of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Saudi universities. SPSS will be utilized to generate the statistical results of the study. The importance of this study stems from the scarcity of research in the field, especially in Saudi higher education institutions. The current research fills in a significant gap at the national level as it provides future researchers and higher education leaders with the much-needed data to prepare strategic plans for future enhancement of the application of the SDGs. It will also propose a set of practical strategies that can be advanced to augment Saudi students’ awareness of the SDGs and their possible application in their daily lives and practices. Full article
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22 pages, 3333 KiB  
Article
Research on the Evaluation of Regional Scientific and Technological Innovation Capabilities Driven by Big Data
by Kun Liang, Peng Wu and Rui Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041379 - 06 Feb 2024
Viewed by 602
Abstract
Scientific and technological innovation (STI) is an important internal driver of social and economic development. Reasonable evaluation of regional scientific and technological innovation (RSTI) capability helps discover shortcomings in the development of urban development and guides the allocation of scientific and technological resources [...] Read more.
Scientific and technological innovation (STI) is an important internal driver of social and economic development. Reasonable evaluation of regional scientific and technological innovation (RSTI) capability helps discover shortcomings in the development of urban development and guides the allocation of scientific and technological resources and the formulation of policies to promote innovation. This paper analyzes new opportunities created by big data and artificial intelligence for the evaluation of RSTI capability, and based on this analysis, the collaborative evaluation schemes of multi-entity participation are investigated. In addition, considering the important value of unstructured data in evaluating STI, the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic model and sentiment analysis method are employed to analyze the construction of an evaluation indicator system that integrates scientific and technological news data. To fully utilize the respective advantages of human experts and machine learning in the field of complex issue evaluation, this paper proposes an RSTI capability evaluation model based on AHP-SMO human-machine fusion. This study promotes the integration of science and technology and economy and has theoretical and practical significance. Full article
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14 pages, 773 KiB  
Article
Contribution of European University Alliances to Education for Sustainable Development and to the SDGs: A Case Study on the Circular EELISA Community
by Beatriz Martín Bautista-Cerro, Anabel Castillo-Rodríguez and Justo García-Navarro
Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16181; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316181 - 22 Nov 2023
Viewed by 750
Abstract
European University Alliances are increasingly crucial to promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, education, and innovation. In this line, the Circular EELISA Community was created as part of the European Alliance of EELISA Universities. This [...] Read more.
European University Alliances are increasingly crucial to promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, education, and innovation. In this line, the Circular EELISA Community was created as part of the European Alliance of EELISA Universities. This study aims to analyse the contribution of the Circular EELISA Community to ESD and the SDGs, evaluating its contribution according to the impact level of EELISA credentials and the community contribution by year. To conduct this analysis, EELISA credentials, which were awarded to 533 participants in 19 activities between 2022 and 2023, were used as indicators of contribution. The results reveal significant community impact on SDGs 9, 11, and 12, with impact level 2 (knowledge) and increased input in 2023. The Circular EELISA Community positively contributes to ESD and the SDGs. Although the SDGs must be addressed from a systemic perspective, developing tools allows us to deepen our knowledge of concepts such as sustainable development, which can sometimes be ambiguous. This study could facilitate, for students, education professionals, politicians, and all interested parties, identifying appropriate competencies and pedagogies that empower citizens to meet global environmental priorities from socioeconomic and technological perspectives. Full article
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18 pages, 4977 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of Fine Dust Environmental Education on Students’ Awareness and Attitudes in Korea and Australia Using AR Technology
by Kon Joon Bhang and Jung Rim Huh
Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 16039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152216039 - 17 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 791
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of fine dust environmental education on 90 elementary and middle school students, taking into account factors such as sex, place of residence, experience with environmental education, and experience with augmented reality (AR). The goal was to assess changes [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the influence of fine dust environmental education on 90 elementary and middle school students, taking into account factors such as sex, place of residence, experience with environmental education, and experience with augmented reality (AR). The goal was to assess changes in students’ awareness and attitudes towards fine dust. Results showed that fine dust environmental education positively influenced students’ awareness of fine dust. Further analysis by factors revealed that the education was effective regardless of these factors. In addition to increasing awareness of the seriousness of fine dust, students’ attitudes also changed positively. The study conducted a statistical analysis of changes in 10 types of attitudes among the target students before and after our education. After the implementation of the education, students’ attitudes changed positively in all 10 types of attitudes, including checking the weather, restricting activities, personal hygiene, wearing masks, environmental education, separating garbage and cleaning, classroom silence, classroom ventilation, home cleaning, and home environment with statistical significance. These findings underscore the effectiveness and importance of combining fine-dust environmental education with AR technology and can inform the planning of educational programs aimed at improving students’ awareness and attitudes. Full article
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