A system dynamics approach to sustainability education

Brennan, Caroline; Molloy, Owen

doi:10.1002/sres.2755

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Students had also equal answers in respect of the development of the system thinking as the main competency in the four cases. As stated by some authors [52] "Learning about sustainability involves more than being able to find sustainable solutions to a single problem. It means developing the ability to think about complex human environmental systems...".…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Teaching Sustainable Development Goals to University Students: A Cross-Country Case-Based Study

et al. 2022

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With the purpose of analysing if case-based teaching methodology could improve higher education students’ knowledge about sustainable development, a quasi-experimental study was conducted in an international project (PASSION—Partnership for Sustainable Development and Social Innovation) and in five countries (Greece, Poland, Portugal and Sweden). Cases were interdisciplinary and focused on sustainable development goals aligned with common worldwide dilemmas like, for example, food consumption, organic farm or nature protection. Our sample consisted of 104 university students aged between 18 and 58 years, where 53% were female. Standardized pre- and post-tests were administered, and a significant improvement in sustainable development knowledge was observed considering three main questions in the pooled dataset (t103 = −7.324; p = 0.000). Regarding the four cases applications where results were more significant, an in-depth analysis was conducted, allowing the project team to better understand participants answers to multiple-choice and open questions which are analysed and discussed individually. Our results demonstrate that the case-based teaching improved the knowledge of sustainable development goals, which is expected to induce positive changes in pro-environmental behaviours. We also point out the potential of case-based teaching applied in a cross-country manner. The scheme is particularly valuable in dealing with complex sustainability dilemmas that show better their global perspectives.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Teaching Sustainable Development Goals to University Students: A Cross-Country Case-Based Study

et al. 2022

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“…Regarding system dynamics, the trend of increasing air pollution levels in Jakarta continually increases and decreases at certain times, then increases again, as depicted in Figure 1, containing a certain meaning called behavior or dynamics (Brennan and Molloy, 2020). Behavior arises from where or by whom.…”

Section: The Dynamic Systems Conceptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Policy for handling air pollution in Jakarta: Study using System Dynamics Simulation Models

Samudra,

Hertasning,

Amiro

2024

J. Infras. Policy. Dev.

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Air pollution in Jakarta has become a severe concern in the last four months. IQAir, in August 2023, revealed that the level of air pollution had reached 161 points on the Air Pollution Standard Index (APSI). The negative impact on society has placed air pollution as a concern for environmental safety and survival in danger. This condition will encourage the development of a national policy agenda to integrate environmental welfare through various energy efficiency channels. This research analyzes the relationship between air pollutant elements that can reduce air quality. The analysis includes pollutant intensity measured by APSI per unit of pollutant as a measure of efficiency. The aim is to observe energy use, which causes an increase in pollutant levels. This research utilizes dynamic system modeling to produce relationships between parameters to produce factors that cause pollution. The parameters used are motorized vehicles, waste burning in landfills, industry, and power plants. The results of historical behavioral tests and statistical suitability tests show that the behavior is suitable for the short and long term. The simulation results show that the pollution level will worsen by the end of 2027, a hazardous condition for society. The optimistic scenario simulation model proposes immediate counter-measures to reduce pollution to 45.01, the ideal condition. To accelerate improvements in air quality, the Government can plan policies to reduce the use of coal by power plants and industry, as well as the use of electric motorized vehicles, resulting in an ideal reduction in pollution by 2024. In conclusion, pollution can be reduced effectively if the Government firmly implements policies to maintain that air quality remains stable below 50 points.

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“…For all these reasons, in order to address this kind of complex socio-ecological problem, students need to display systemic thinking skills, which will allow them to recognise the interconnections between human activities and the changes produced in water bodies [35].…”

Section: Students' Conceptions and Difficulties In The Understanding ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“Why Has the Water Turned Green?” A Problem of Eutrophication in Primary School

et al. 2022

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This paper analyses how 224 students from the fifth and sixth grade recognise the key aspects, i.e., the causes, consequences, and solutions of the eutrophication problem affecting the relevant ecosystem in their region. Two instruments were used: a report sheet in which students work through the causes and consequences associated with the problem; and a personal letter addressed to the competent authority, which proposes solutions. The results show that students from the sixth grade recognised more complete interconnections between the agricultural development of the area and the changes that occurred in the ecosystem. In the identification of the key phases of the eutrophication process, students from both courses presented similar difficulties. Regarding the solutions, some reluctance was observed to limit agricultural activity. This reveals that students’ social perceptions about the importance of agriculture for their region may be a possible influence on their solutions. Finally, five models were established regarding the understanding that students reach of the problem as a whole. More than half of students were included in the same model, comprising those who were able to adequately identify the causes and whole process of eutrophication, as well as those who defended the advantages of the proposed solution. Educational implications are discussed in this paper.

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A system dynamics approach to sustainability education

Cited by 6 publications

References 14 publications

Teaching Sustainable Development Goals to University Students: A Cross-Country Case-Based Study

Teaching Sustainable Development Goals to University Students: A Cross-Country Case-Based Study

Policy for handling air pollution in Jakarta: Study using System Dynamics Simulation Models

“Why Has the Water Turned Green?” A Problem of Eutrophication in Primary School

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