Engineering education and its current (un)suitability in addressing Sustainable Development Goals

Bakthavatchaalam, Venkat 2024. Engineering education and its current (un)suitability in addressing Sustainable Development Goals. New York: United Nations - Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/Ba...

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Abstract

This paper assesses the current approaches to engineering education, focusing on the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Utilising a case study methodology within engineering higher education institutions (HEIs) in South India, the research involves mapping the current curriculum against SDGs, quantitative assessment of student performance in control and experimental groups, and qualitative interviews with academics. Findings indicate a notable underemphasis on the Social and Economic sustainability pillars. Interviews reveal a lack of SDG knowledge among academics, who questioned its relevance to engineering. Despite this scepticism, quantitative results demonstrate increased student comprehension in the experimental group. The study emphasises the need for the evolution of current engineering higher education (HE) approaches, providing insights for policymakers and institutions to revise curricula and teaching practices, empowering students and academics to address contemporary and future sustainability challenges.

Item Type:	Monograph (Other)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Engineering
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Additional Information:	Science policy brief.
Publisher:	United Nations - Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 May 2024
Last Modified:	14 May 2024 09:42
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/168815

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