Teaching for sustainability in Brazilian higher education from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The study verified how teaching for sustainability has been applied in the learning of Brazilian higher education students. From the perspective of the Second Best Theory, the presence of themes related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes was analyzed. It presents a qualitative and quantitative approach using content analysis techniques. The documentary research method helped in the collection of ordinances and guidelines of the Ministry of Education, as well as the tests applied in the period from 2004 to 2018. It is concluded that there was already a concern with the topic in the Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes tests and that students should have an ethical profile committed to social, cultural, and environmental issues. Although it is difficult to measure the consolidation of student thinking and skills acquired in the years of study, the research contributed to reinforce that the actions of educational institutions are relevant in expanding the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.