Pernambuco, Fernanda Frota

Sustainability in higher education : an analysis of responsible environmental behaviors among undergraduate students.

[Gainesville, Fla.]

2009

Gainesville, Univ., M.S., 2009

-

ABSTRACT: Abstract of Thesis Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science SUSTAINABILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: AN ANALYSIS OF RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIORS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS By Fernanda Frota Pernambuco August 2009 Chair: Marilyn E. Swisher Major: Family, Youth and Community Sciences Many scientists and activists agree that current consumption patterns will inevitably deplete resources for future generations. In response, the United Nations initiated the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development in 2005. The purpose of this research was to examine the degree to which exposure to an educational environment at a major institution that stresses sustainability affects the degree to which individuals engage in responsible environmental behavior (REB). The theoretical frame work of this study was based on the environmental behavior model. A cross-sectional research design was used with two comparison groups (upper and under classmen), in order to see if there was a change in REB and to measure the relationship between the predictor variables (locus of control, norms and barriers) and the outcome variable (responsible environmental behavior). The results have shown that there is no statistically significant p<0.05 (p=0.069) difference between upper and lower classmen's responsible environmental behavior. The predictor variables identified in this study explained about 45% of the variance in responsible environmental behavior for both upper and underclassmen. However, the models were different for the two comparison groups. The best predictor variable for underclassmen's REB was family. Norms followed by locus of control then barriers. And for upperclassmen, the best predictor variable was locus of control followed by barriers then family norms. The result also showed that there were no statistically significant differences for independent variables (locus of control, family norms and barriers) between upper and lower classmen. In conclusion, universities have a very important role to play in having students engage in responsible environmental behaviors. Explicitly addressing ecology and/or environmental issues in the curriculum is a very effective way to see behavior change in students. It might that the most effective way to change behavior is to combine traditional techniques, non-traditional techniques and "greening" university activities. The research on emerging adulthood shows that the most effective time to influence a student's worldview is during their freshman year of college. Universities should make especially sure that freshmen are included in their intervention and teaching activities. Universities also need to implement a common set of age-specific responsible environmental behaviors.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER

1 INTRODUCTION

Importance of Sustainability
Sustainability in Higher Education
The University of Florida and Education for Sustainable Development
Buildings/Energy
Food
Transportation
Land/Water
Purchasing/Waste
Affective and Cognitive Learning
Research Questions:
Hypothesis:

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Environmental Education
Locus of Control
Barriers
Norms
Model for Thesis
Research Questions
Hypothesis

3 METHODS

Design
Sample Selection
Instrument Development
Indices
Steps in Developing Indices
Weighting Items
Instrument Limitations

4 RESULTS

5 DISCUSSION
Timing of the Study
Theoretical Perspectives
Educational Implications and Recommendations
Traditional vs. Nontraditional Instructional Methods
Recommendations for Future Research
Instrument Development
Conclusion

APPENDIX
A INSTRUMENT

B CONSENT LETTER

C AMERICAN COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS CLIMATE COMMITMENT

D AMERICAN COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS CLIMATE COMMITMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

REFERENCES

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

↑ http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/UFE0025111