EXPLORING MY SUSTAINABLE FOOTPRINT: AN INNOVATIVE JOURNAL-BASED METHOD FOR DEVELOPING SUSTAINABILITY AWARENESS AND HABITS
Year: 2024
Editor: Grierson, Hilary; Bohemia, Erik; Buck, Lyndon
Author: Rivas, Adriana
Series: E&PDE
Institution: Tecnologico de Monterrey,School of Architecture, Art and Design
Page(s): 205 - 210
DOI number: 10.35199/EPDE.2024.35
ISBN: 978-1-912254-200
ISSN: 3005-4753
Abstract
Sustainable awareness, defined as the perception and understanding of the importance of caring for the environment and adopting sustainable practices, has gained increasing significance in today's context of environmental challenges. Education plays a pivotal role in promoting this awareness, from early stages to higher education. To achieve a meaningful shift toward more environmentally respectful behaviors, various pedagogical strategies have been explored, with the use of journals proving to be an effective tool for fostering reflection and the development of pro-environmental skills. This text addresses the relationship between sustainable awareness and journaling, analyzing its importance in the educational process and in shaping individuals committed to environmental preservation. Additionally, it reviews studies exploring how education and knowledge levels correlate with environmental awareness, highlighting the relevance of higher education in promoting sustainable behaviors. Notably, the implementation of this method over the last two years among multidisciplinary students, from the first to the final year of professional education, has yielded highly favorable qualitative and quantitative results. These results demonstrate deep and positive reflections and compelling data on the utility of journaling in cultivating sustainable habits and awareness. Through this exploration, the emphasis is on the importance of instilling values, attitudes, and pro-environmental knowledge through education and journaling, aiming for a meaningful shift toward a more sustainable and harmonious future with nature.
Keywords: Sustainable awareness, Sustainable habits, Journal, Professional Education, Educational Innovation