Educational Innovations and Innovators “Moscow – Zhejiang: Aspects of Contemporary Education” Summer school
Laboratory for Educational Innovation Research explored grassroot innovations in education during the “Moscow-Zhejiang: Aspects of Contemporary Education” Summer School held by the Institute of Education on 23-29 of July. Students of the College of Education, Zhejiang University attended the school to gain insight into the specifics of the Russian education system, as well as to learn more about the unique studies conducted by the Institute of education today.
LEIR staff held a seminar on the topic “Investigating Russian education innovation landscape and its actors traits”. Main topic of the seminar was the findings of the series of the studies focused on the educational environment as well as actors that bring them into life. The research is based on an annual contest organised by LEIR. The aims of the Competition of Innovations in Education (KIVO) are fourfold. Thus, the innovators draw inspiration from the chance to help others change the system: a realisation of the “social mission” through educational improvements. The participants also value economic autonomy, achievement of greater financial and personal independence when working on innovative projects. They all would look for the approval from their relatives and the society at large, as well as a chance to unleash their creative potential. The innovators have an urge to express their opinion on the current issues in education and to make a difference in the system.
The researchers elaborated on the innovation landscape of the contemporary Russian educational environment.
Grassroot initiatives are packaged into projects that vary by form and substance. Although traditional strategies of sharing innovative ideas, such as designing a syllabus or a textbook, still prevail, nowadays, many projects are launched in a digital format by introducing an educational website, platform or mobile app to the system. Apart from that, the implementation of the project may lead to plans of establishing an educational centre, organisation of an event or a cycle of events. This way, the innovators set up a platform for realisation of their ideas in a physical environment in addition to the digital space. To learn more about the study findings, click here.
The contest as a concept, as well as research projects organised by LEIR, highly resonated with the school participants judging by the activity of students during the Q&A sessions.