Formation of Environmental Competence of Students in the Context of the Implementation of STEAM Practices and Universal Design for Learning

Abstract

This study empirically identifies the peculiarities of forming environmental competence among higher education students by integrating STEAM practices with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Using a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-testing, the research measures the impact of this synergy on the cognitive, value-motivational, and behavioral components of environmental literacy. The methodological foundation combines the interdisciplinary potential of STEAM, the inclusive principles of UDL, and the 4E approach as a guiding logic for research-based and project-oriented learning. Data were gathered through standardized questionnaires, expert assessments of systemic reasoning, and thematic interpretation of semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis focused on assessing changes in the integral indicator of environmental competence, while qualitative components revealed shifts in students’ perceptions of ecological problems and personal responsibility. Results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in environmental competence within the experimental group, showing a large effect size, with the cognitive and value-motivational components being the most sensitive to the intervention. Strong correlations were found between systemic ecological thinking and the formation of responsible behavioral intentions. The convergence of findings confirms the holistic effect of the integrated STEAM + UDL model on student awareness. The study's practical significance lies in its applicability for designing environmentally oriented educational programs, though future research should include longitudinal analyses of behavioral stability and broader inter-institutional comparisons to further validate these STEAM-based interventions.

Keywords: environmental competence; STEAM education; universal learning design; systems thinking; environmental responsibility; education for sustainable development.