The role of engineering in achieving the SDGs: A case study on awareness-raising through different undergraduate subjects at the Higher Polytechnic School of Zamora (Spain)

Abstract

[EN] This study presents the results of a teaching innovation project at the University of Salamanca, in which more than 140 students from 6 undergraduate and master’s degree courses in engineering and architecture participated. The objective focuses on raising awareness and committing future generations of engineers to sustainable development by acquiring knowledge about the broader aspects of the UN 2030 Agenda and the importance of STEAM professions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The generation of a course in the virtual campus promoted debate sessions based on flipped classrooms in 11 subjects from different areas of knowledge. The proposal allowed carrying out research works in the context of the involved subjects that related sustainable development to their contents. The exhibition of the research results allowed cooperative learning and the celebration of the World Engineering Day at the Higher Polytechnic School of Zamora. The low average score on an initial objective test shows a lack of information concerning SDG among engineering students. This score improved by 3 points in the final objective test. The satisfaction survey results show that the experience was positive for the students and the teaching team. Its media coverage promoted social recognition and engineering vocations.