The integration of sustainable and environmental education into study programs

Abstract

This research addresses the integration of sustainable and environmental education in the curricula of Ecuadorian universities and its impact on the ecological awareness of students. In a global context marked by environmental crisis, there is a need to examine how education can transform attitudes and behaviors towards sustainability. The problem lies in the variability of the inclusion of sustainability content in university curricula and in the lack of resources and adequate training for teachers, which can limit the effectiveness of this teaching. To analyze this situation, a qualitative-quantitative study was carried out that included interviews and surveys with students and teachers in various universities in Ecuador, with the aim of evaluating the perception of sustainable education and its impact on ecological awareness. The findings indicate that, although there are efforts to integrate environmental education into curricula, its implementation is uneven and faces significant challenges. Many students report an increase in their ecological awareness, especially those in environmentally-related careers. However, needs for teaching resources and teacher training were identified to improve the teaching of sustainability. In conclusion, the research suggests that sustainability education has the potential to transform the ecological awareness of university students, but requires a structural approach that promotes the effective integration of this content across disciplines, supporting meaningful and contextualized learning that empowers future professionals.