Sustainability

Research

18 pages, 443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

International Student Engagement for Sustainability of Leisure Participation: An Integrated Approach of Means-End Chain and Acculturation

by Nahyun Lee and Bong-Seok Kim

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4507; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084507 - 18 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2856

Abstract

This study examined international students’ engagement in leisure activities using data derived from an integrated method and analyzed through acculturation and means-end chain approaches. A cluster analysis was conducted to identify acculturation types. An initial qualitative survey with 30 respondents produced the questionnaire [...] Read more.

This study examined international students’ engagement in leisure activities using data derived from an integrated method and analyzed through acculturation and means-end chain approaches. A cluster analysis was conducted to identify acculturation types. An initial qualitative survey with 30 respondents produced the questionnaire items, and a quantitative survey to construct value maps was conducted targeting 415 respondents. The cluster analysis identified bicultural acceptance, heritage culture maintenance, and bicultural marginalization as distinct types that distinguish the acculturation level among international students. The results from three acculturation types indicate that the significant items and strong linkages between attribute-consequence and consequence-value at each level reflect the international students’ inner thoughts and ultimate value. Such strong associations provide value maps, which differ according to the acculturation types. Such findings present that availability of leisure services is necessary to better cater to the special interests of international students at different stages of acculturation. Given that international student mobility has increased substantially, relevant leisure professionals and organizations should understand that international students’ sustainable leisure engagement can only be achieved if attention is paid to cultural contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Successful Actions on Sustainability Impact)

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17 pages, 1493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Educational Impact Evaluation of Professional Development of In-Service Teachers: The Case of the Dialogic Pedagogical Gatherings at Valencia “On Giants’ Shoulders”

by Esther Roca-Campos, Ana Inés Renta-Davids, Fernando Marhuenda-Fluixá and Ramón Flecha

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4275; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084275 - 12 Apr 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5446

Abstract

There is a broad consensus on the impact of teacher quality on students’ outcomes. However, the debate on how to evaluate the impact of teacher training on student improvement remains open. The evaluation of the impact of in-service teacher training, organized in a [...] Read more.

There is a broad consensus on the impact of teacher quality on students’ outcomes. However, the debate on how to evaluate the impact of teacher training on student improvement remains open. The evaluation of the impact of in-service teacher training, organized in a network for different schools, has been analyzed very little to date. Our research displays an innovative approach in this regard, through an In-Service Professional Development Program based upon scientific evidence and dialogic principles: The Pedagogical Gatherings “On Giant’s Shoulders”. We conducted a multilevel communicative study to analyze its impact upon students’ achievement and schools’ outcomes whose teachers taking part of the Gatherings. Our contribution provides an advancement in the analysis of educational impact in teacher training. We provide indicators to identify those training programs that improve educational outcomes, according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 4: quality education for all. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Successful Actions on Sustainability Impact)

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13 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

BraveNet Upstander Social Network against Second Order of Sexual Harassment

by Lidia Puigvert, Ana Vidu, Patricia Melgar and Marifa Salceda

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4135; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084135 - 08 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3450

Abstract

Gender-based violence and domestic violence constitute a huge problem all across countries and continents. The COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown produced as a consequence of it have contributed to escalating this problem. Many national organisms reported an increase in the data on domestic [...] Read more.

Gender-based violence and domestic violence constitute a huge problem all across countries and continents. The COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown produced as a consequence of it have contributed to escalating this problem. Many national organisms reported an increase in the data on domestic violence during confinement. Bystander intervention often constitutes one of the most effective mechanisms of attention. The problem is that bystanders do not always dare to intervene. This article aims to provide knowledge on the reasons for this lack of intervention and its connection to domestic violence, while presenting measures to encourage intervention and victim support, offering protection to those most in need during this pandemic. The research was conducted through questionnaires distributed online among social entities in charge of providing care to women suffering from domestic violence during the lockdown. The results have shown that most of these entities have had to intervene in providing support to women during the lockdown. In conclusion, the case of the Unitary Platform Against Gender Violence and the entities, which are members of the platform, acted in situations of domestic violence produced during confinement, based on the mutual support provided by being a group of entities that have the support of the Platform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Successful Actions on Sustainability Impact)

19 pages, 649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Educational Counseling and Temporary Language Adaptation Classrooms: A Study through In-Depth Interviews

by María de la O Toscano-Cruz, Inmaculada González-Falcón, Inmaculada Gómez-Hurtado and María del Pilar García Rodríguez

Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10433; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410433 - 14 Dec 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2000

Abstract

This article aims to show the role of educational counselors both as promoters of cultural management and as mentors for attention to diversity. A qualitative methodology and ethnographic approach have been implemented. In-depth interviews with counsellors from schools in the provinces of Huelva [...] Read more.

This article aims to show the role of educational counselors both as promoters of cultural management and as mentors for attention to diversity. A qualitative methodology and ethnographic approach have been implemented. In-depth interviews with counsellors from schools in the provinces of Huelva and Cadiz (Spain) have been analyzed in order to pinpoint their perceptions regarding the educational attention that immigrant students receive and the opportunities that are generated from the temporary language adaptation classrooms and school counseling for the promotion of intercultural education. After the qualitative analysis, this classroom stands out as an essential device in the educational response received by these students. The main outcomes also show that the educational counselor is a key figure in the processes of educational attention to immigrant students, although they are faced with some challenges that remain pending in this process. These professionals assume the role of advisers, guides, coordinators, and promoters in the preparation of cultural proposals and actions. Their work is equally relevant in family–school–community mediation and in the positive promotion of intercultural coexistence. The discussion focuses on knowing the importance of intercultural education in schools as a response to the principle of “educating for all,” taking advantage of the educational context as a privileged setting to work on cultural diversity. This task must be carried out by the counselor in collaboration with the principals, families, other teachers, educators, and other agents. The research underlines the difficulties counselors face when implementing inclusive collaborative processes, while identifying them as key agents due to their pivotal role in the positive management of diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Successful Actions on Sustainability Impact)

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16 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Work during the COVID-19 Crisis: Responding to Urgent Social Needs

by Gisela Redondo-Sama, Virginia Matulic, Ariadna Munté-Pascual and Irene de Vicente

Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8595; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208595 - 16 Oct 2020

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 15349

Abstract

Social work during the COVID-19 crisis has faced one of the most challenging times to cover urgent social needs in an uncertain scenario. This study analyzes the immediate responses in social work to vulnerable groups in the first 15 days of the pandemic [...] Read more.

Social work during the COVID-19 crisis has faced one of the most challenging times to cover urgent social needs in an uncertain scenario. This study analyzes the immediate responses in social work to vulnerable groups in the first 15 days of the pandemic in Barcelona, one of the most affected areas worldwide by COVID-19. The sample for this qualitative study includes 23 semi-structured interviews with social workers from different fields of intervention, from general approaches (primary care) to specific ones (health, ageing, homeless, and justice). The data analysis followed the communicative methodology, including transformative and exclusionary dimensions, and the analytical categories focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social services users, the organizational responses of social workers, and the impact of the interventions to cover urgent social needs of attendees. The interventions have been accompanied by an improvement in communication channels with vulnerable groups, ensuring an understanding of the situation of families and individuals, and covering the most urgent social needs. The study shows the key role of social workers from diverse social attention tools and their contribution to the sustainability of social services with a long-term impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Successful Actions on Sustainability Impact)

14 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Propelling Children’s Empathy and Friendship

by Susana León-Jiménez, Beatriz Villarejo-Carballido, Garazi López de Aguileta and Lídia Puigvert

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7288; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187288 - 05 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4940

Abstract

Schools play a crucial role in creating supportive and safe environments, and positive feelings are key in fostering such environments. Schools as Learning Communities, based on the dialogic participation of the whole community, are improving social cohesion. However, the underlying processes leading to [...] Read more.

Schools play a crucial role in creating supportive and safe environments, and positive feelings are key in fostering such environments. Schools as Learning Communities, based on the dialogic participation of the whole community, are improving social cohesion. However, the underlying processes leading to such transformations remain underexplored. This article suggests that successful educational actions (SEAs) implemented in a school as a learning community, analyzed in this case study, promote positive feelings such as friendship and empathy, contributing to a safe and supportive environment. The purpose of this study was to analyze how SEAs generate friendship and empathy and their impact in the environment in a school as a learning community in Spain. To that end, the methods used were interviews with 18 students and 10 teachers, and reviews of two documentary films featuring the school. Results suggest that SEAs generate friendship and empathy among many children by promoting mutual support and sharing narratives in such dialogic settings. In addition, developing friendship and empathy contributes to reducing violent behaviors and promoting more inclusive attitudes among many students. This study concludes by providing insights on how SEAs can contribute to safe and supportive environments through fostering friendship and empathy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Successful Actions on Sustainability Impact)

19 pages, 620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lean Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability: The Effects of Employee Involvement, Stakeholder Pressure and ISO 14001

by Ping-Kuo Chen, Itziar Lujan-Blanco, Jordi Fortuny-Santos and Patxi Ruiz-de-Arbulo-López

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7258; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187258 - 04 Sep 2020

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6749

Abstract

This paper explores the relationships between lean manufacturing (LM), the promotion of green practices, employee involvement, pressure to take actions against environmental issues, the adoption of an ISO 14001-based environmental management system (EMS) and environmental performance in order to understand how LM can [...] Read more.

This paper explores the relationships between lean manufacturing (LM), the promotion of green practices, employee involvement, pressure to take actions against environmental issues, the adoption of an ISO 14001-based environmental management system (EMS) and environmental performance in order to understand how LM can help improve environmental performance through environmental practices and the development of a lean culture. The effects of pressure to “go green”, employee involvement and the adoption of an EMS based on the International Organization for Standardization’s standard ISO 14001 are discussed. Data were collected from 220 Chinese manufacturing firms and analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) regression. The results suggest that the implementation of LM has a positive effect on the promotion of green practices and consequent achievement of high environmental performance; employee involvement is a moderator that affects the relationship between green practices and environmental performance; pressure to “go green” is a mediator in the relationship between LM and green practices; however, the adoption of ISO 14001 does not act as a moderator on the relationship between LM and green practices, but synergies emerge if ISO 14001 is integrated with LM. The study shows the importance of human attitudes and fosters managers to develop the necessary mechanisms to ensure and enhance employee involvement and lean culture. Although these determinants of environmental sustainability have been studied separately until now, this paper analyzes them simultaneously, investigating the relationship between different strategies and shedding some light on successful actions that promote sustainable manufacturing, and on the role of LM in sustainability. The findings can help manufacturers to take the initiative to improve environmental performance and assist governments in implementing industrial policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Successful Actions on Sustainability Impact)

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14 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Teacher Induction in Schools as Learning Communities: Successful Pathways to Teachers’ Professional Development in a Diverse School Serving Students Living in Poverty

by Rocío García-Carrión, Maria Padrós Cuxart, Pilar Alvarez and Ainhoa Flecha

Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 7146; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12177146 - 01 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6667

Abstract

Teacher induction has been an object of interest in teacher education and professional development, mostly as a result of the analysis of the difficulties faced and the coping strategies developed by newly qualified teachers. However, the specific mechanisms to facilitate teachers’ induction when [...] Read more.

Teacher induction has been an object of interest in teacher education and professional development, mostly as a result of the analysis of the difficulties faced and the coping strategies developed by newly qualified teachers. However, the specific mechanisms to facilitate teachers’ induction when being appointed by schools working under challenging contexts have been less explored. This study aims to explore the potential of a community-based school model named Schools as Learning Communities to induct new teachers and to help them embrace the school’s project. A single case study was conducted in a high-poverty school located in Barcelona (Spain). Data collection included observations and interviews with teachers and the school management team. Findings highlight two main features of the school model that facilitate teacher induction: the dialogic approach to teachers’ professional development and the participation of family and community members in the school, which operates as a pedagogical resource. Furthermore, our results reveal this model as a successful pathway for the new teachers to embrace the school mission and to become agents of transformation who contribute to the project’s sustainability. The study offers lessons on how to support the induction of teachers who join diverse schools serving students living in poverty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Successful Actions on Sustainability Impact)

24 pages, 1104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fostering Social Project Impact with Twitter: Current Usage and Perspectives

by Mirjana Pejić Bach, Cristina M. Pulido, Dalia Suša Vugec, Vladia Ionescu, Gisela Redondo-Sama and Laura Ruiz-Eugenio

Sustainability 2020, 12(15), 6290; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12156290 - 04 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4472

Abstract

Social impact assessment has become a major concern within the research community. While different methodological advancements have been made to better display, as well as to measure, achieved impacts, social media has proved to be a potential domain to generate many new opportunities [...] Read more.

Social impact assessment has become a major concern within the research community. While different methodological advancements have been made to better display, as well as to measure, achieved impacts, social media has proved to be a potential domain to generate many new opportunities to support both the communication as well as the realization of social impact. Within this context, the current research presents an analysis of how Twitter is used among a subset of research projects to maximize social impact. The research focuses on the use of Twitter, as one of the most often used social media, by the members of scientific projects funded under one part of the FP7 funding framework of the European Union called Science in Society. The data were analyzed using NVivo, and WordStat Provalis software. The results presented in this study include exploratory data analysis, topic mining and the analysis of the impact of projects on Twitter. The results indicate moderate use of Twitter among the observed projects, but with a strong focus on the dissemination of project results, thus indicating a trend towards the usage of social media for communicating the social impact of research projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Successful Actions on Sustainability Impact)

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