Education for sustainable development in higher education institutions: a structural equation modeling on pre-service teachers' awareness

This study explores the relationship between awareness level, attitude, and challenges of pre-service teachers on the ESD using structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyse the relationship of all the variables. The 4th industrial revolution is being experienced by countries all over the world, hence the need to address the problem of sustainability in the environment by increasing the awareness of pre-service teachers. We collect data using the Likert scale questionnaire to examine the awareness level of pre-service teachers on education for sustainable development. The questionnaire was sent to the participating B.Ed. Students through email. 177 Bachelor of Education students (49 males and 128 females), randomly selected from two Federal universities in southwestern Nigeria, participated in the study. Participants were informed of the purpose of the study, that their participation was voluntary, and that they could opt out of the research at any time. Data, collected from participants, were analysed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings from the study reveal that the effectiveness of pre-service teacher education programs significantly enhances pre-service teachers' awareness of ESD. The findings also indicate that fostering positive attitudes among pre-service teachers regarding ESD is crucial for improving their awareness. The study recommends reviewing the curriculum of the teacher education programme to enhance the pre-service teachers' skills in awareness of ESD.