P2V-innovation

Providing material for work on designing policy solutions to the issue put forward by the Catalonain ministry. The issue is as follows: Catalonia is currently facing a number of major challenges related to immigration, cultural identity, transformations in economic activities and changes in social structures, especially the family. School is seen as a key player in responding to these changes. However, a number of studies indicate that performance of the Catalonian school system in terms of exam results is insufficient and there is considerable concern amongst the general public about the efficiency of schools. Methodological changes are needed if schools are to respond to these challenges. Such innovative changes include fostering collaborative working, developing flexibility and supporting creativity. The Catalonian issue to be worked on during the P2V seminar in February 2008 is *to create the right conditions to support and spread pedagogical and managerial innovation in schools using ICT*. Two aspects are singled out. First the need to find ways and means to encourage innovation on the part of teachers. And second, the need to foster a whole school approach to innovation, particularly in secondary schools (12 - 16 year olds).