Quality of Higher Education through the Pursuit of Satisfaction with a Focus on Sustainability

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyse individual differences in quality of higher education through the pursuit of satisfaction with a focus on sustainability, whilst considering variables pertaining to groups (family, teachers and pupils) and satisfaction in a sample of 1091 Italians: 510 pupils (45.8%), 121 teachers (11.1%) and 469 relatives (42.9%). Once the quality parameters of the instrument (quality of higher education through the pursuit of satisfaction with a focus on the sustainability (QHES) questionnaire) were determined, reliability was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling methodology, and data collection was initiated. Results from the multi-level study (ANOVA) showed significant differences between groups. From this, it can be concluded from the study that the role performed by a quality education oriented towards sustainability equally includes teachers, students and relatives. This role focuses on the battle to incorporate effective participatory methods into the teaching process, motivating members of the educational community and social future in the search for knowledge, skills, attitudes and necessary values. This will forge a sustainable future given that it does not only depend on the characteristics and experiences of individuals but also their training, both within the centre and their families. This factor is of vital importance, as demonstrated and concluded in the present study.