Module 1: introduction to Innovation Pedagogy

Innovation pedagogy fosters collaborative, experiential, and student-centered learning, emphasizing real-world problem-solving and interdisciplinary approaches. This module explores key principles, methods, and best practices for integrating innovation pedagogy into higher education and healthcare training.

Definition

Innovation Pedagogy is a strategic approach that enhances students’ competence-based learning, emphasizing problem-solving, teamwork, and research integration. It aims to equip students with skills that extend beyond academic knowledge, making them active contributors to society.

Why it matters for educators
  • Education must align with real-world challenges.
  • Teaching should integrate research, industry, and societal needs.
  • Students must develop critical thinking & innovation competencies.
Downloadable materials
What is student-centered education?
Definition

Student-centered education is a pedagogical approach that shifts the focus from the teacher to the learner, encouraging students to take an active role in their own education. It promotes autonomy, responsibility, and active engagement.

Key characteristics:
  • Focus on the learning process, not just outcomes
  • Students co-create knowledge with educators
  • Encourages inquiry-based, problem-solving learning
  • Personalized learning paths tailored to student needs
Self-assessment & peer-assessment in student-centered education
Definition

Assessment in student-centered education goes beyond judgment—it serves as a tool for feedback and personal development.

Types of assessments in student-centered education:
  • Self-Assessment: Encourages students to reflect on their own progress.
  • Peer-Assessment: Develops evaluation skills & mutual learning.
  • Formative Assessment: Feedback during the learning process, rather than just at the end.
  • Competency-Based Assessment: Evaluates practical skills, not just theoretical knowledge.
Implementing student-centered education in your teaching
Step-by-step implementation guide for educators:
  • Step 1: Shift from lecture-based teaching to inquiry-based learning.
  • Step 2: Incorporate Flipped Classroom & Case-Based Learning.
  • Step 3: Use peer & self-assessment to encourage reflection.
  • Step 4: Align assessments with competency development.
  • Step 5: Adapt teaching to students’ feedback & learning styles.
Downloadable materials
Combining student-centered education and Innopeda

Both student-centered education and Innovation Pedagogy (Innopeda®) shift the focus from teacher-led instruction to active, student-driven learning. In higher education and healthcare training, this means:

✔ Students take ownership of their learning journey.
✔ Educators act as facilitators, guiding rather than dictating.
✔ Learning becomes flexible, collaborative, and competency-driven.

Student-centered education emphasizes autonomy and responsibility, while Innopeda integrates multidisciplinarity, real-world problem-solving, and research-based learning (RDI). Combining these methods ensures effective, future-ready education.

Key teaching approaches from both methods:
Student-Centered EducationInnovation Pedagogy
Active learning & collaborationMultidisciplinary & RDI integration
Flexible, student-driven learningInnovation-driven methods (e.g., projects, case studies)
Competency-based assessmentDevelopment-oriented evaluation
Teacher as facilitatorTeacher as networker & mentor
How to apply student-centered education & Innopeda in Higher Education
Best practices for student-centered, innovation-driven learning in HEIs:
  • Flipped Classroom: Pre-class study, in-class interactive problem-solving.
  • Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Students tackle real-world challenges in teams.
  • Project-Based Learning: Students engage in research & development (RDI) projects
  • Competency-Based Learning: Assessment focuses on practical application rather than rote memorization.
  • Flexible Curricula: Students select courses and topics aligned with their career goals.
Application in healthcare training
Why student-centered education & Innopeda are essential in healthcare education:
  • Healthcare professionals need critical thinking, autonomy, and teamwork.
  • Simulation-Based Learning & Case-Based Learning improve clinical reasoning.
  • Hands-on, real-world learning improves patient outcomes.