This study aims to examine the effects of a short-term study program in Hawaii. Japanese undergraduate students took part in the short program in February 2024 (n=20). The two week-program focused on learning sustainable tourism and joining an eco-tour of fishponds for sustainable fishing. To identify the students’ improvement of fluency in writing related to SDG’s, the students were asked to write a short essay about sustainable initiatives in Hawaii before and after the program. The results of the difference of the average number of words between pre and post-writing test was statistically significant (t(19)= 1.69, <.05). Further analysis involved checking participants’ vocabulary pre and post essays. If the students wrote sustainable initiatives, such as riding a shared bike, a shared bike could be categorized as climate action, Goal 13, with one point ascribed to this action. After the program, the students paid greater attention to writing about sustainable initiatives with regards to vocabulary than before the program (t(19)=5.67, p <.01). In addition, New Ecological Paradigm Scale (Dunlap et. Al., 2000) was used to examine the students’ attitudes toward environmental protection. Comparing before and after the course, all students’ attitudes towards environmental problems did not show a statistical difference (t(19)=.551, n.s. p=.558). The results of the study provide evidence that the short-term study program had a positive effect on the students’ understanding of sustainable initiatives in Hawaii and improved their writing fluency and vocabulary. To change their attitude, inclusion of more pro-environment activities should be considered for future programs.

Authors:
Ayako Nakai, Toyo University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Ayako Nakai is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Toyo University in Japan

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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