Innovation pedagogy
The humanistic way of understanding people as the creators of their own future forms the philosophical foundations of innovation pedagogy. The definition for innovation pedagogy is: Innovation pedagogy is a learning approach that defines in a new way how knowledge is assimilated, produced and used in a manner that can create innovations. The concept also can be described as follows: innovation pedagogy as “a didactic operational model based on the socio-cultural perception of learning that supports the work of universities of applied sciences as a part of regional competence and innovation networks. Applied research and development activities that support regional development and the production of innovations in working life are integrated into multidisciplinary teaching in accordance with the principles of innovation pedagogy. The education offered by the university promotes entrepreneurship and includes service activities while taking into account both the needs of the region as a whole as well as the constantly changing trends of working life.”
Changes in the working life and surrounding global environment necessitate that skills and attitudes matching with the new requirements are consciously and systematically developed alongside with the students’ knowledge bases. Social and interactive skills, cultural abilities, understanding the prerequisites for working in contact with customers, preparedness for entrepreneurship, creativity and problem-solving skills as well as tolerance to difference and uncertainty are the kind of attitudes and skills that a future professional should have.
Learning environments where students of different fields are daily in contact with each other offer new interfaces for working. Such surroundings are known to be the best when innovations are hoped to be created. In addition, an innovative approach to teaching and learning are also needed as well as enthusiasm for trying new methods. In the context of innovation pedagogy, innovations are seen as an integral part of the process of constantly improving know-how as well as generating new ideas and practices applicable in working life.
The aim of innovation pedagogy is to generate environments in which know-how inspired competitive advantage can be created by combining different kinds of know-how. When utilised, this edge provides opportunities for the whole society, as innovation skills sharpened by innovation pedagogy are the key in introducing new competitive advantages via know-how. In a multidisciplinary environment, it is possible to evoke regional innovations and increase entrepreneurship through research and development.
External links
fi:Innovaatiopedagogiikka