5 things the world's most innovative schools have in common

When it comes to finding the best school for their children, parents usually weigh several qualities, and innovation stands out among them. But what exactly does that mean? For some, it can mean international educational models; for others, world-class academic management.

Unfortunately, even though the world is changing at a rapid pace, many educational institutions still operate under somewhat outdated or even obsolete approaches when it comes to systems and applied technology.

To raise awareness among schools in Mexico, research was conducted into what parents want from their children's schools, looking at the institutions that are currently setting the standard in education.

Which are the most innovative schools in the world?

To understand what the best schools have in common, we first need to know which ones they are and then analyze what makes them so special.

1. High Tech High

High Tech High (HTH) is a network of public elementary and secondary schools whose educational model is based on learning through scientific and artistic projects. Its constructivist approach assumes that knowledge is acquired more effectively by developing and managing projects tied to real-life problems.

The institution is guided by four design principles: equity, personalization, authentic work and collaborative design. Its facilities are all collaborative workplaces with project areas, small-group learning spaces, relevant technology and common areas where students create and showcase artwork, prototypes and more.

2. Quest to Learn School

Quest to Learn School is a school that uses modern technologies to teach children through game-based learning. Applied in the classroom, this model lets students take on fictional roles in which they learn about genetics, biology and ecology.

What makes this school so innovative is that every quarter, each teacher teams up with a game designer and a curriculum designer to create lesson plans based on New York State standards and relevant to young people's lives today.

The latest technology is fully integrated and seen as a key enabler of learning and a core tool that students use to explore new knowledge and skills. They use it to co-construct knowledge and express their understanding in a variety of formats, such as design, photography, music and engineering.

3. TEKY

TEKY is a network of academies in Vietnam that was among the first to adopt the STEAM learning approach, which integrates multiple disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

Subjects taught at these schools include programming, robotics, web design, multimedia and communications, and their learning process is based on students' hands-on interaction with technology.

4. High Tech Academy

High Tech Academy is a private school with a project-based curriculum in which students acquire knowledge and skills through research.

One of the things that makes this institution's approach so innovative is its Digital Citizenship program, which encourages the responsible use of technology and promotes academic curiosity, research, the search for reliable and relevant information, and professional, effective communication.

5. Ørestad Gymnasium

Ørestad Gymnasium is a school without traditional classrooms: open learning spaces dominate, where students can communicate with each other and join any class.

Since 2012, the institution has used only digital learning resources, with the goal of preparing students for their future by developing skills relevant to a globalized, media-driven and interdependent world.

Its curriculum focuses on global citizenship, digital skills and media literacy, innovation and professional learning.

Further reading: Motivation and academic performance: what role does the teacher play?

What do the most innovative schools have in common?

As you can see, the world's most innovative schools share five characteristics:

• • Innovative learning methods
  • Personalized teaching
  • Exploratory educational models
  • Learning based on real-life situations
  • Technology as the foundation of academic management

On that last point, technology has become more than essential in students' school life: it not only lets them diversify the way they take classes, but also helps them build their skills and multiply their knowledge and abilities through real projects relevant to their future.

How can a school innovate in its academic management?

It is important to note that all of the aspects above must stem from excellent academic management, so that school leaders, teachers, students and parents all work within the same system that allows them to collaborate and make the most of their educational strengths.

For this to happen, schools in Mexico need comprehensive control over everything that happens inside and outside their institutions, and to achieve that, it is vital to implement innovative technology such as educational software.

For a school to start down the path of innovation, all of its academic management needs to run on a single platform that is both controlled and secure.

Phidias is a cloud-based academic management system that lets schools manage their processes through a secure, fast, intuitive and accessible application.

You may also be interested in: Why use Phidias Académico?

Schools that want to be part of technological innovation should use educational software that integrates their data, ensures it is used properly and provides support whenever they need it.

If you have questions about this way of bringing technology into your academic management, we invite you to request more information through this link.