The purpose of this study was to explore the impressions of faculty in Bahir Dar University (BDU) about the institutional accomplishments of United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). For the purpose, a descriptive survey design was employed. Data was collected using a Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) for Colleges and Universities (U L S F, 2009.) after making proper level adaptations. Findings show that though the achievements in sustainability since now are at relevant level of start, the current level of impressions of the faculty of Bahir Dar University towards the accomplishments of UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development varies across the Dimensions i.e. Curriculum, Research and Scholarship; Operations; Faculty and Staff Development and Rewards; Outreach and Service; Student Opportunities; and Administration, Mission and Planning. Therefore, the practical implications of the findings suggest to increase the depth and breadth of sustainability-related efforts in BDU by giving equal level of attention across the seven critical dimensions of higher education roles and to be further reinforced by organizing responsible offices at the university level, by prioritizing activities through planned measures, and by allocating sufficient budget, if BDU is to continue its commitment for the success of UNDESD.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD). Marked by the years 2005 to 2014, the DESD encompasses a global vision where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from education and learning that motivates societal change towards a sustainable future (UNESCO, 2005b). In particular, Chapter 36 of Agenda 21 acknowledges the four major thrusts of education on which to focus ESD activities during the Decade: improving access to quality basic education; reorienting existing education programmes; developing public understanding and awareness; and providing training.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1 Background of the Study
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem
- 1.3 Objectives of the Study
- 1.4 Significance of the Study
- 1.5 Delimitation of the Study
- 1.6 Limitation of the Study
- 1.7 Operational Definitions
- 2. Review of Related Literature
- 2.1 Sustainable Development
- 2.2 Education for Sustainable Development
- 2.3 UNDESD in Higher Education
- 3. Research Methodology and Design
- 3.1 Research Methodology
- 3.2 Research Design
- 3.3 Target population, Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
- 3.4 Data Collection Instruments
- 3.5 Data Analysis
- 4. Analysis and Interpretation of Data
- 4.1 The Current Level of Impression of the Faculty of BDU towards the Accomplishments of UNDESD across the Dimensions
- 4.2 Visibility of Concern for and Commitment to Sustainability on Campus
- 4.3 Perceived Barriers in Mainstreaming Sustainability in BDU
- 5. Summary of Findings and Recommendations
- 5.1 Summary of Findings
- 5.2 Implications for Practice
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study aims to explore the perceptions of faculty at Bahir Dar University (BDU) regarding the university's achievements in implementing the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). It utilizes a descriptive survey design to gather data and assess the impact across various dimensions of university life.
- Assessment of BDU's accomplishments in implementing the UNDESD.
- Analysis of faculty perceptions across key dimensions (Curriculum, Research, Operations, Faculty Development, Outreach, Student Opportunities, and Administration).
- Identification of barriers to mainstreaming sustainability at BDU.
- Exploration of the visibility of commitment to sustainability within the university.
- Recommendations for enhancing sustainability efforts at BDU.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the study by providing background information on the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD), its goals, and its four main thrusts: improving access to quality basic education; reorienting existing education programs; developing public understanding and awareness; and providing training. It establishes the context of the research by highlighting the global challenges related to sustainable development and the crucial role of higher education institutions in addressing them. The chapter also clearly defines the study's objectives, scope, and limitations, including the specific focus on Bahir Dar University's implementation of the UNDESD.
2. Review of Related Literature: This chapter examines existing literature on sustainable development, education for sustainable development (ESD), and the role of higher education institutions in promoting ESD. It explores the various dimensions of sustainability, the importance of integrating ESD principles into all aspects of education, and the efforts made by higher education institutions globally to adopt sustainable practices. The review provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the key concepts and contextual factors that shape the study's investigation of Bahir Dar University's experience.
3. Research Methodology and Design: This chapter details the research methodology employed in the study. It outlines the descriptive survey design, the sampling techniques used to select participants from Bahir Dar University's various colleges and institutes, and the data collection instrument (Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire). It also explains the data analysis procedures and justifies the chosen methods in relation to the study's objectives and the nature of the data being collected. The chapter ensures the transparency and rigor of the research process.
4. Analysis and Interpretation of Data: This chapter presents the findings of the study, analyzing faculty perceptions of BDU's achievements in implementing the UNDESD across seven critical dimensions: curriculum, research and scholarship, operations, faculty and staff development and rewards, outreach and service, student opportunities, and administration, mission, and planning. The analysis explores the variations in faculty impressions across these dimensions, examining areas of strength and weakness in BDU's sustainability efforts. It also investigates the visibility of commitment to sustainability on campus and identifies perceived barriers to mainstreaming sustainability within the institution.
5. Summary of Findings and Recommendations: This chapter summarizes the key findings of the study and offers practical implications for enhancing sustainability initiatives at BDU. It reiterates the variations in faculty perceptions across different dimensions of university life, highlighting areas requiring attention and suggesting targeted interventions. Based on the analysis of data, the chapter proposes recommendations for improving the depth and breadth of sustainability-related efforts at BDU, including suggestions for institutional improvements and resource allocation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Implementation, United Nations, Decade, Education, Sustainable Development, Bahir Dar University, Faculty, Impressions, Sustainability, Higher Education, UNDESD, Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main focus of this study?
This study explores the perceptions of faculty at Bahir Dar University (BDU) regarding the university's achievements in implementing the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD, 2005-2014). It assesses the impact across various dimensions of university life using a descriptive survey design.
What are the key objectives of the study?
The study aims to: 1) Assess BDU's accomplishments in implementing the UNDESD; 2) Analyze faculty perceptions across key dimensions (Curriculum, Research, Operations, Faculty Development, Outreach, Student Opportunities, and Administration); 3) Identify barriers to mainstreaming sustainability at BDU; 4) Explore the visibility of commitment to sustainability within the university; and 5) Recommend ways to enhance sustainability efforts at BDU.
What methodology was used in this research?
The study employed a descriptive survey design. A Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. The sampling techniques used ensured representation from BDU's various colleges and institutes. Data analysis procedures are clearly outlined in the methodology chapter.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the assessment of BDU's accomplishments in implementing the UNDESD across seven dimensions: curriculum, research, operations, faculty development, outreach, student opportunities, and administration. The study also analyzes faculty perceptions, identifies barriers to mainstreaming sustainability, and explores the visibility of commitment to sustainability at BDU.
What are the key findings and recommendations?
The findings chapter presents a detailed analysis of faculty perceptions across the seven dimensions. The summary chapter then synthesizes these findings, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. Recommendations are provided for improving sustainability initiatives at BDU based on the analysis, including suggestions for institutional improvements and resource allocation. Variations in faculty perceptions across different dimensions are highlighted, indicating areas needing specific attention.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes sections on: Abstract, Introduction (including background, problem statement, objectives, significance, delimitation, limitations, and operational definitions), Review of Related Literature, Research Methodology and Design, Analysis and Interpretation of Data, Summary of Findings and Recommendations, and References.
What is the significance of this study?
The study contributes to understanding the implementation of the UNDESD in a higher education context, specifically focusing on faculty perceptions and identifying barriers and opportunities for improvement. The findings and recommendations can inform strategies for enhancing sustainability efforts in universities and other similar institutions.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Keywords include: Implementation, United Nations, Decade, Education, Sustainable Development, Bahir Dar University, Faculty, Impressions, Sustainability, Higher Education, UNDESD, Assessment.
What is covered in the chapter summaries?
Chapter summaries provide concise overviews of each chapter's content, including the introduction's background and objectives, the literature review's key findings, the methodology's design and data analysis, the results' key findings and interpretations, and the concluding chapter's summary of findings and recommendations.
- Citar trabajo
- Jerusalem Yibeltal Yizengaw (Autor), Asnake Tarekegn Nigussie (Autor), 2020, The Implementation of United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) in Bahir Dar University. Faculty Impressions, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/583638
