A Mixed-Methods Study of Curriculum Design and Student Awareness in Chinese Universities
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Environmental education (EE) plays a pivotal role in addressing global ecological crises by fostering sustainable behaviors and values. However, in Chinese higher education, non-environmental majors often receive fragmented and superficial EE, limiting their capacity to contribute to ecological civilization. This study employs a mixed-methods approach—combining literature review, empirical surveys, and curriculum analysis—to evaluate the current status of EE for non-environmental majors across six Chinese universities. Questionnaire data from 974 students reveal low environmental literacy, particularly in specialized knowledge (e.g., policy terminology, ecological ethics) and behavioral competence. While students demonstrate heightened awareness of environmental crises (81.2%), gaps persist in green consumption, ecological aesthetics, and legal frameworks. Institutional analysis highlights the underutilized potential of campus environmental organizations, with 73.4% of respondents perceiving their influence as minimal.
Author: Yanjie He
Institution: SongShan ShaoLin WuShu College
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415123374