FACTORS INFLUENCING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) AMONG UNIVERSITY STAFF AND STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF SUAN SUNANDHA RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This research aimed (1) to examine the level of knowledge and understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and (2) to analyze the factors influencing such knowledge and understanding among staff and students of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University. The examined factors included personal background characteristics, learning experiences, attitudes and motivation, and organizational environment, with the purpose of proposing guidelines for integrating the SDGs into the university’s educational management and activities. A quantitative research approach was employed. The sample consisted of 725 participants, including 331 staff members and 394 students, determined using Yamane’s (1973) sample size formula. The research instrument was a questionnaire that had been validated for content validity and demonstrated a high level of reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that the overall level of knowledge and understanding of the SDGs among the participants was low. Factors that significantly influenced knowledge and understanding at the .01 level included awareness, attitudes and motivation, communication channels through academic courses and social media, and participation in academic service activities. All variables together explained 34.9% of the variance in knowledge and understanding of the SDGs. The results highlight the crucial role of universities in driving sustainable development at both institutional and societal levels.