Researching learning environments and students’ innovation competences

Abstract

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to present an example of pedagogical strategy, called innovation pedagogy, and study whether its learning environments (activating teaching and learning methods, working life orientation and research, development and innovation (RDI) integration, multidisciplinary learning environments, flexible curricula, entrepreneurship and internationalization) can be associated with students' innovation competences (creativity, critical thinking, initiative, teamwork and networking). Design/methodology/approach-In this case study, the electronic self-assessment questionnaire was distributed to third-and fourth-year bachelor students (n ¼ 236) from one Finnish university of applied sciences at the end of the Spring semester in 2017. Findings-Two profiles of students concerning their level of innovation competences can be identified. The level of students' innovation competences is associated with all the six elements of learning environments. The more students have experience with learning environments of innovation pedagogy, the higher they scored when assessed for their innovation competences. Research limitations/implications-Because of the case study setting and a limited sample, there are limitations to the generalizability of the findings. Originality/value-Focusing on different levels of innovation competences of students and approaching their study path in more detail, it could be better understood how to develop more effective education, and thus, respond to the demands of an innovation society. This study extends approaches on research in education and innovation and strengthens the understanding that learning environments should be versatile and include many-sided learning opportunities. It also shows that implementing pedagogical strategy needs lot of work to be revealed in practice.

The Impact of Higher Education on Entrepreneurship and the Innovation Ecosystem: A Case Study in Mexico

“…The teaching-learning processes of the MCCT contain meta-innovations and elements of active learning, thanks to the use of the Think and Do methodology, participation in interdisciplinary collaborative projects, and with the support of expert teachers [20].…”

“…These changes promote economic and scientific progress through research and the development of new strategies [15]. Additionally, innovation is associated with the formation of human capital that has the necessary skills, because professionals who are part of the innovation processes of the public and private sectors are required to be competitive in the products and services they offer [20]. Therefore, to train future innovators, it is crucial to establish strategies that encourage creativity and promote the required skills to participate in innovation processes.…”

“…In this regard, the training processes should bring the student closer to what they will experience in real life, through a pedagogy of innovation where elements known as meta-innovations converge [21]. These elements are, according to Keinänen and Kairisto-Mertanen [20], active teaching-learning methodologies, multidisciplinary learning environments, integration of working life, research and development (R and D), flexible curriculums, entrepreneurship, and internationalization. The path of the training of students to participate in innovation is in Figure 1.…”

“…Analyzed literature indicates that there is a gap between what universities teach and what students can apply in their lives [20,21]. Some programs are more theoretical than practical, which does not allow students to prepare for the needs of today's society [20]. It is also necessary to know the effects of this training on the development of the regions, but few studies have analyzed them.…”

Proceedings 5th CARPE Conference: Horizon Europe and beyond

“…The methods used in lerning, flexible study plan, internationalization, multidisciplinarity and workinglife orientation seem to be especially important. (Keinänen & Kairisto-Mertanen, 2019. )…”