Developing and Validating a Multidimensional Framework for SDG Competencies in Higher Education

Abstract

This study looks at how university students in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) of the Philippines understand and act on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Most students have heard of the SDGs, often through school programs, but awareness alone doesn’t mean they can apply the ideas. A lot of earlier research focused only on what students know or how they feel about the goals. Very little examined whether they could actually think critically, solve problems, or change their behavior in ways that support sustainability. To address this, we created the Multidimensional Sustainable Development Goal Competency Assessment Framework (MSCAF). The framework was designed to assess multidimensional competencies beyond surface-level awareness of the SDGs. The framework looks at how students process information, make decisions, and form habits linked to sustainable living, while also considering the diverse cultures in the region. The instrument was refined in stages through surveys, FGDs, and interviews. The baseline survey involved 400 students, and the instrument demonstrated robust internal consistency (Cronbach’s α range = 0.78–0.91). Construct validity was established via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFI= 0.95, RMSEA = 0.06). Subsequent qualitative improvement was followed by an intervention study involving 120 students. The study aimed to measure the effects of problem-based learning and action research activities. Finally, the study applied the framework over two school terms to measure how students developed after joining problem-based learning activities and action research projects. The results showed students didn’t just gain more facts—they became better at thinking critically, working across different fields, and choosing behaviors that help their communities and the environment. The study offers both a reliable tool for assessing SDG engagement and a teaching model that helps schools turn awareness into real, lasting change.