Pedagogical innovation in higher education and active learning methodologies – a case study
ISSN: 0040-0912
Article publication date: 27 November 2020
Issue publication date: 28 January 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to obtain a broader knowledge of innovative pedagogical practices in higher education, by analysing the particular case of the Higher Institute of Administration and Languages (ISAL). The literature review reveals a gap in this scientific field, and filling this gap is as imperative as the need to articulate higher education with the Students' Profile by the End of Compulsory Schooling.
Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a qualitative methodological approach, in order to analyse the students and teachers' perceptions of the active learning methodologies implemented at ISAL. Data were collected from a closed-ended questionnaire, aimed at a population composed of students and teachers.
Findings
The literature review reveals a gap in this scientific field, particularly in Portugal. Filling this gap is as imperative as the need to articulate higher education with the Students' Profile by the End of Compulsory Schooling.
Practical implications
With the adoption of this methodological approach, this research intends to verify not only whether the innovative pedagogical practices addressed in the literature review are implemented in this institution, but also to identify obstacles to their implementation. With regard to the results, several pedagogical innovation practices are already implemented, even though some limitations to their implementation are identified.
Originality/value
This research allows identifying indicators that are essential to outline an intervention plan in the pedagogical practices implemented at ISAL or other higher education institutions and contributes to assessing the current state of pedagogical practices in higher education.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (Scholarships and NECE- UIDB / 4630/2020) provided support for this study, to the ISAL Research Center and to the Higher Institute of Administration and Languages - ISAL. The authors would like to thank the comments of the reviewers of this article, which contributed a lot to raise the quality of this study.
Citation
Carvalho, A., Teixeira, S.J., Olim, L., Campanella, S.d. and Costa, T. (2021), "Pedagogical innovation in higher education and active learning methodologies – a case study", Education + Training, Vol. 63 No. 2, pp. 195-213. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-05-2020-0141
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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