The benefits of incorporating innovation and sustainability into education.
To remain competitive in the job market, professionals need to think and work with... creative solutions, Given that the problems faced by society on a daily basis are becoming increasingly complex, in light of the transformations caused by... scientific progress and by technological advancement.
One of the main challenges facing contemporary society involves the issue of sustainability. According to... Global Footprint Network According to an international non-profit organization that conducts studies on environmental impacts, the global population has been using Earth's natural resources as if the planet were 1.6 times larger.
In this sense, companies should reflect on sustainable ways to maintain themselves, as well as... young entrepreneurs They can propose new business models. To do so, professionals need to develop new ways of thinking.
“Achieving sustainability is not an easy task! It is necessary to take into account the multiple aspects and impacts of any action. The use of renewable sources, changes in production methods and consumption habits, for example, involve the search for creative solutions. And all of this involves innovation,” explains Carlos Cerqueira, Chemistry professor at Colégio Etapa and coordinator of the Sustainability Center at Faculdade ESEG, part of the Etapa Group.
Therefore, it can be stated that Innovation is the key to sustainability., as well as Sustainability is a pillar of innovation.. Ultimately, these concepts need to go hand in hand for the initiatives to succeed.
Therefore, basic and higher education institutions should propose debates on these topics and offer opportunities for students to develop projects that align innovation and sustainability.
Want to know more? Then keep reading to understand why working with these concepts in schools and colleges is important, considering the benefits for student education.
What is the importance of incorporating innovation and sustainability into education?
“"Basic education aims to provide students with a comprehensive education, preparing them for..." exercise of citizenship, a continuation of studies and the work. Therefore, it is very important that children and adolescents understand the world around them and are able to think and act critically. In this way, they can innovate, guided by the principles of sustainability, as well as... deciding about a career "In a way that is more aligned with their personal aspirations," says Cerqueira.
“"In higher education, students acquire specific knowledge and develop the..." skills needed for professional performance. In a constantly changing world, it is essential for any professional to be able to stay updated. Therefore, innovation is the key to success in any career. Likewise, innovation needs to be done sustainably, considering principles such as... preservation of resources, a profitability and the social responsibility, "They are increasingly valued in the contemporary world," Cerqueira adds.
What are the benefits of developing innovation and sustainability projects in education?
1) Academic evolution
Developing ideas that are both innovative and sustainable requires an interdisciplinary approach, which contributes to... deepening and broadening of knowledge obtained in the classroom.
Furthermore, the presence of extracurricular activities that address these concepts can contribute to... complementing learning and also to motivate students to become increasingly involved with the academic world.
2) Personal development
“"During the design phase of a project, students encounter situations and problems that require creative solutions, multidisciplinary approaches, and..." teamwork. "By seeking to innovate sustainably, young people empower themselves to face the challenges of today's world," Cerqueira points out.
Furthermore, student participation in innovation and sustainability projects can help them choose a career, indicating that this type of activity also contributes to the promotion of... self-knowledge. Not to mention a series of behavioral skills Essential for life in society and well-regarded in the job market.
3) Professional training
With the New High School, Teenagers will have access to a curriculum that integrates academic development with vocational training, through the promotion of university-level classes and extracurricular activities to be chosen based on each individual's interests.
In this way, they will be able to participate in innovation and sustainability projects that involve creative processes, sociocultural mediation and intervention, scientific research e entrepreneurship Furthermore, these opportunities allow them to deepen and broaden their knowledge in the area with which they most identify. This helps adolescents expand their skills and abilities, thus building a more competitive profile for the job market they will encounter in the future.
University students can participate in activities in laboratory that allow them to create a new product, service, or concept, or even do something that already exists in a different way, seeking To preserve natural resources and positively impact people's lives. and to be financially viable. In this way, they will have the opportunity to stand out in company selection processes and even start their own businesses.
Did you enjoy this information about the relationship between innovation and sustainability? Students at ESEG College, part of the Etapa Group, can participate in the Sustainability Center, through which they can develop initiatives encompassing the economy, the environment, and society, contributing to a solid academic and professional foundation.
Meanwhile, Colégio Etapa offers a scientific initiation program on sustainability through... Advanced Placement (AP), an American curriculum that allows students to take college-level courses during high school. Students who perform well on a series of exams linked to the project, which is respected by higher education institutions worldwide.
Furthermore, the Etapa Group signed a partnership with the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest higher education institutions in the world. This collaboration allows our students to participate in summer courses, exchange programs, and scientific initiation projects with professors and students from this Portuguese university, including the development of sustainable and innovative services, products, and actions, such as the Endless Forest Program. Visit our websites to learn more!
* Text written in partnership with Colégio Etapa
