Students' Perception and Awareness of the Environment and Sustainability Through Informal Learning in Universities in Bangladesh

Abstract

The study explores the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Bangladeshi students at tertiary level, with a specific emphasis on informal learning. A mixed-methods approach, including a quantitative survey (N=307) and an FGD, was used to examine students’ overall sustainability knowledge level and factors that could predict their involvement. Results indicate that the students have fair general knowledge and high motivation, but they lack in-depth understanding and important technical and local details. One of the biggest obstacles to working is the absence of institutional frameworks and elementary campus infrastructure like solid waste separation systems. Importantly, involvement in environmental clubs is significantly related to higher amounts of specialized knowledge and structural barrier awareness, but also with the repeated use of complex sustainable practices according to statistical analysis. Thus, high-impact informal learning spaces that successfully fill the gap between knowledge and practice are important. Basic awareness-raising campaigns and informal approaches are not adequate according to the research findings. University managements are required to adopt the full ‘Whole-Institution Approach’, which includes institutionalising Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), providing adequate infrastructure and encouraging student-led initiatives. With these steps, student energy can be harnessed into unified, meaningful involvement in sustainability efforts from all over the tertiary sector