Innovative behaviour and generic innovation competences are shared aims for degree studies in all study fields in all European higher education institutions.
However, these competences should be identified, developed and assessed also in online learning environments, where the focus traditionally has been more on cognitive than on behaviour-related competences. According to previous studies, most e-learning courses are developed to build cognitive skills and narrower views have been put on how students are learning innovation competences in the digital environments yet. Additionally, empirically validated instruments to analyze innovation in educational online contexts are missing.
To respond to these demands, the SINCOE project group developed a novel re-validated tool to identify, assess and develop innovation competences in online learning situations.
The development work of the tool based on two-rounded content validation process of expert panels from European higher education institutions from three countries participating in the project (Finland, Spain, and Germany).
The new SINCOE@ Assessment Tool includes five dimensions of innovation competences:
- creativity,
- critical thinking,
- initiative,
- teamwork and
- networking,
with 33 items describing innovative behavior and action. Additionally, the assessment tool includes a new subdimension with four optional items of sustainable development aspect as a part of critical thinking.
The SINCOE@ Assessment Tool was tested in practice in part of authentic learning situations in several pilots during the SINCOE project.
You can access the Assessment Tool here: SINCOE@ Assessment tool – SINCOE Toolbox
If you are interested to learn more about the SINCOE@ Assessment Tool, please contact Research Group leader, Dr. Meiju Keinänen: meiju.keinanen (at) turkuamk.fi.
SINCOE is about developing innovation competences in online education. Students do not always come together in face-to-face situations. Some learning groups only know each other through online meetings or hybrid courses. The development of competences makes it necessary to start with a differentiated and valid assessment of one’s own competences. Only those who know their strengths can develop them in a targeted manner. But for peer assessment of innovation competence or for assessment by teachers in the online setting is lacking a satisfactory level of behavioral data. In the SINCOE project, we therefore assess the individual level of innovation competence via self-assessment.
In order to achieve valid and differentiated results with self-assessment as well, the SINCOE training was developed and afterwards tested in different learning settings.
Those who have completed the training know what is meant by innovation and innovation competence, they can describe the dimensions of innovation competence and thus familiarize themselves with the SINCOE@ assessment tool.
The training also raises awareness of biases that can distort a self-assessment of one’s own competences and provides advice on how to avoid them.
Explanatory videos, expert interviews and video scenes from everyday life with small tasks and games illustrate why innovation competence is important, how students can determine how innovative they are and how they can avoid biases in self-assessment.
- Why it is important to know and promote your innovation competence
- How you can discover which innovation competences you have
- Assessment-Training with video scenes
- Memory Game
- Biases in assessment and how to overcome them
Access the SINCOE Assessment Training Package here
Please notice that the landing page of the training is in German. you can change it from the upper left corner of the page.
The SINCOE Toolbox is designed to help teachers develop students’ innovation competencies within digital learning environments. It provides comprehensive support for both educators and learners, covering all main aspects of the pedagogical storyline. The toolbox includes:
- Assessment Tools: Instruments for measuring the development of innovation competencies.
- Case Examples: Real-world implementations to illustrate practical applications.
- Learning Activities: Exercises and activities for classroom use.
- Learning Environment: Covering all major teaching modalities
- Pedagogical Script: Structured frameworks and implementation guidelines.
- User Guides & Tips: Practical recommendations for effective use.
This toolbox aims to foster innovation skills in a structured and supportive manner, making it easier for teachers to guide students through their learning journey.
The SINCOE Toolbox is an educational resource for developing innovation competencies in digital learning environments, serving teachers and students. It includes assessment tools for measuring competency development, case examples showing implementations, practical exercises for classroom use, pedagogical scripts with implementation guidelines, and resources with practice recommendations. Through these components, educators can implement innovation skills development in various educational settings.
You can access the toolbox here: SINCOE Toolbox