By Miguel Ujeda, Innovation Director at Mirasur School

What is educational innovation?

Educational innovation is the way in which educational leaders strengthen the purpose of their educational innovation projects and identify improvements in learning that are relevant and even urgent. These improvements should involve the teaching team collaboratively and with commitment.

It is a process that requires agile organisational cultures, which allow experimentation without penalising mistakes, and foster teamwork to drive meaningful change.

Beyond resources: the true meaning of educational innovation

When we talk about educational innovation, it is common to think about digital technologies or new methodologies within the classroom. However, innovation does not always equal novelty or resources. If these elements are not directly linked to deep and sustained learning, their impact can be limited.

Collective teaching as the foundation of deep learning

Learning is closely linked to teaching, which should be understood as a shared action within the school. The effectiveness of learning is achieved when teaching is designed and implemented collegially, with a strong sense of purpose.

Innovating from the curriculum and assessment

Innovating means rethinking educational practices from the roots: the curriculum and assessment. A real educational change does not occur on the surface but from the curricular decisions made in each school and within each teaching team.

Purposeful curriculum: teaching to transform

Saying that educational innovation resides in the curriculum is focusing on the educational intent. Teachers must work collaboratively to adapt and design meaningful experiences that connect with the students’ reality and motivate them to have a positive impact on their environment.

Educational innovation in assessment as the engine of learning

Transforming assessment is essential to achieving meaningful learning. Innovation in assessment means shifting from a results-based logic to one focused on processes. This allows students to identify their own ways of learning, make peace with failure, and commit to their own success.

Educational innovation projects and programmes: a strategic outlook

Educational innovation projects must be aimed at real pedagogical transformation, not just the implementation of technologies. The same applies to educational innovation programmes, which should arise from a deep diagnosis of the students’ needs and the educational context.

Artificial Intelligence and current trends in educational innovation

In the current educational debate, marked by the rise of Artificial Intelligence, the discussion tends to focus on the use of technological tools. However, the true focus should be on the main trends in educational innovation, which centre on the relevance of the curriculum and the development of essential competencies.

The challenge of educational innovation with purpose

Beyond the use of AI or any resources, the key is what to learn, how to learn it, and why. The sense of purpose should guide pedagogical decisions, ensuring that technology is used with a clear and transformative educational intent.

Early childhood educational innovation: teaching from the foundation

Educational innovation in early childhood is especially important, as laying the foundations for deep learning at a young age is key for future development. In these early stages, innovation should focus on exploration, play, curiosity, and the child’s holistic development.

Conclusion: Innovating as an educational responsibility

Now more than ever, innovating in education is not an option but a necessity. Deciding what to teach, how to assess it, and for what purpose is a shared responsibility across the entire educational community. Only in this way can meaningful and lasting learning be achieved.