Assessing Sustainable Literacy Among Leaners at Open University Malaysia

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are universal and require participation from both industrial and public sectors, with awareness serving as a key advocacy tool. This study focuses on adult learners at Open University Malaysia (OUM), which introduced the 17 SDGs in 2018 through its course OUMH1603: Study Skills for the 21st Century. This course, mandatory for all diploma and undergraduate students, emphasizes 21st-century soft skills, literacy skills, the 4Cs (Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Collaborative and Communication Skills), Global Citizenship Education, and Environmental Education. The study aims to analyze students' understanding of sustainability and evaluate their knowledge of the 17 SDGs. A questionnaire was distributed to new diploma and undergraduate students enrolled in the May 2023 cohort of OUMH1603. Data collected in the 3rd week of the semester were analyzed, revealing a positive trend in understanding the SDGs but also indicating significant room for improvement across all goals and various contributions (workplace, professional bodies, NGOs, and community/public