Innovation, Active Methodologies, and Educational Transformation: A Qualitative Analysis of Teachers’ Perceptions

Abstract

The needs arising in today’s society, and consequently, the demands placed on its citizens imply that individuals must possess a set of competencies to address them, such as the need to navigate diverse social contexts, manage digital information, and solve complex problems collaboratively. In terms of competency-based education, it’s essential to highlight the role of the educational field, which, must constantly adapt and transform itself to promote the comprehensive development of its students, including critical thinking, socio-emotional skills, digital literacy, and collaborative problem-solving. The objective of this study is precisely to analyze the perceptions and practices of Early Childhood and Primary Education teachers regarding the implementation of active methodologies and innovation in the classroom. The results reveal that teachers innovate in their practices and prioritize active methodologies to foster competency development in their students. Although they acknowledge various challenges, such as limited preparation time, insufficient training, and the integration of digital tools. The study highlights how Early Childhood and Primary Education teachers implement active methodologies and innovate with their students, despite facing challenges such as a lack of specific training, time for preparation, and especially digital resources to further engage in educational innovation. They share their experiences and, therefore, their contribution as educators to shaping competent citizens prepared for present and future societal demands.