In recent years, technology and new teaching methodologies have made monotonous lessons a thing of the past. And we are not referring to the use of projectors in the classroom or asking students to make a PowerPoint presentation.

Educational innovation programmes can transform our classrooms into laboratories of creativity and teamwork. Can you imagine a school where you can learn history while taking a virtual tour of ancient Rome, or a biology class where students grow their own organic vegetable garden?

But what is educational innovation and why is it so important in today’s education system? In the following, we will explain its benefits and how to design an educational innovation project. We also offer some concrete examples that show how they are producing excellent results and our eagerness in CEM to apply them.

What is educational innovation?

Educational innovation refers to implementing methods, tools, resources or strategies that completely transform the traditional learning system in order to adapt it to current times.

It is not just about introducing technology, but about using it intelligently and in a way that brings real value from a pedagogical point of view. It means looking at what we do, asking ourselves if it works and being open to change if it does not.

As Inés Aguerrondo, one of today’s most influential figures in the field of education, says, not just any change is innovation. Instead, only those that transform structures and remain over time can be described as such.

Characteristics of educational innovation

Educational innovation is not something that happens overnight, nor is it the result of improvisation, but rather it has a series of fundamental characteristics:

  • Real transformation: it is not a matter of decorating what already exists, but of modifying the foundations of the educational process.
  • Involvement of all those concerned: teachers, families, students and school staff are an active part of the change.
  • Focus on meaningful learning: beyond memorising content, what is really important is that students understand, experience and apply what they are learning,
  • Adaptability and personalisation: innovation must respond to the diversity of students, their pace, interests and needs.
  • Ongoing evaluation: all innovation processes must be measurable, evaluated and, if necessary, adjusted.

What is the importance of educational innovation?

Educational innovation is one of our best allies when it comes to preparing new generations to face all the challenges they will encounter along the way. It is the best way to develop creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and the ability to adapt, which are skills that, in this day and age, are worth more than memorising dates or formulas.

In addition, well-designed educational innovation programmes:

  • Improve student motivation.
  • Reduce school drop-out rates.
  • Favour the development of soft skills.
  • Increase the involvement of families and the community.

Educational innovation projects

Educational innovation projects require planning, analysis, implementation and evaluation.

  1. Initial analysis: What is the need or the problem to be solved?
  2. Defining the problem: What do we want to change or improve?
  3. Clear objectives: What do you want to achieve and how long will it take?
  4. Action plan: activities, resources and timetable.
  5. Ongoing evaluation: collect evidence of the process in order to improve it.
  6. Final report: documenting results and learning.

Educational innovation project: real example

  • ‘Vegetation, soil and water’ (Andalusia): students investigated how a nursery worked and carried out practical cultivation tasks. The project integrated subjects such as natural sciences, plastic arts and mathematics.
  • ‘La Rioja culture’ (La Rioja): this was carried out in levels ranging from nursery to secondary school. The children learned about regional folklore through activities such as popular games, traditional cooking and grape treading.
  • ‘El Ensayadero’ (Ayuda en Acción): music was used as a vehicle to improve self-esteem, cooperation and empathy in students at risk of exclusion.

Benefits of educational innovation

Beyond improving academic performance, educational innovation also contributes to improving the quality of life in the classroom and prepares students for real life.

  • Greater involvement and motivation: when learning is real, students participate more enthusiastically.
  • Development of key competences: communication, conflict resolution, leadership and teamwork.
  • Improved school environment: healthier relationships are generated between students and teachers.
  • Real educational inclusion: thanks to methodologies that adapt to different styles and abilities.
  • Increased student autonomy: they learn how to learn and to make decisions.

Note: there are no magic formulas, but there are many interesting ideas waiting to be put into practice. As a teacher once said: ‘Education does not change the world, it changes the people who are going to change the world’. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to be part of that change.