Challenges of Involving Students in Campus SDGs-Related Practices in an ODeL Context: The Case of The University of South Africa (Unisa)

Autor/inn/en	Mawonde, Albert; Togo, Muchaiteyi
Titel	Challenges of Involving Students in Campus SDGs-Related Practices in an ODeL Context: The Case of The University of South Africa (Unisa)
Quelle	In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 22 (2021) 7, S.1487-1502 (16 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1467-6370
DOI	10.1108/IJSHE-05-2020-0160
Schlagwörter	Barriers; Student Participation; Undergraduate Students; Sustainable Development; Environmental Education; Agricultural Education; Campuses; Place of Residence; Time Management; Financial Problems; Misconceptions; Student Interests; Open Universities; Distance Education; Electronic Learning; Foreign Countries; South Africa + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Schülermitarbeit; Schülermitwirkung; Studentische Mitbestimmung; Nachhaltige Entwicklung; Umweltbildung; Umwelterziehung; Umweltpädagogik; Agriculture; Education; Landwirtschaftliche Ausbildung; Landwirtschaft; Ausbildung; Wohnort; Zeitmanagement; Missverständnis; Studieninteresse; Offene Universität; Distance study; Distance learning; Fernunterricht; Ausland; Südafrika; Süd-Afrika; Republik Südafrika; Südafrikanische Republik
Abstract	Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges faced by ODeL institutions to involve students in campus sustainable development goals (SDGs) related practices. Given that universities are mandated by several calls to participate in the implementation of SDGs, one way they can contribute to the SDGs paradigm is through the involvement of students. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through interviewing the Campus Operations Manager and the Students Representative Council (SRC) to determine the challenges of involving students' in SDGs-related practices. The SRC completed the USAT (Part C) to determine SDGs practices students are involved in. An online survey was undertaken to determine how BSc Environmental Management students are participating in SDGs and the challenges faced towards their involvement. Thematic analysis analysed interview data and descriptive statistics analysed online survey data. Credibility and reliability were enhanced by data triangulation. Findings: The research revealed that few students were involved in some campus SDGs-related practices. Few students were involved in off-campus SDG projects. This result is attributed to the distance between the University of South Africa (Unisa) and the students, lack of finance, the misconception around SDGs and a lack of interest in SDGs. The geographical distribution of ODeL students was concluded as the major barrier to student involvement in SDGs. Originality/value: There are few studies, which investigated the involvement of students in campus-related SDGs in universities, let alone distance universities in Africa. The paper testifies that ODeL institutions have avenues to involve students in SDGs if such institutions become proactive through campus SDGs competitions and certification. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01