The new SINCOE@ Assessment Tool

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 must now be identified, developed and assessed in new virtual 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, one of the aims of the SINCOE project is to develop a novel re-validated tool to identify, assess and develop innovation competences in online learning situations. 

The new SINCOE@ Assessment Tool has now been developed as a part of the SINCOE project. 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 next step is to test the SINCOE@ Assessment Tool in practice in part of authentic learning situations in several pilots during autumn 2023. 

 

If you are interested to learn more about the SINCOE@ Assessment Tool and its usability in pilots, please contact Research Group leader, Dr. Meiju Keinänen: meiju.keinanen (at) turkuamk.fi.