Educational Innovations as Staff Development: an evaluative approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper reports a study analysing the processes of educational innovation in the Andalusian Autonomous Community. The aims were to describe, comprehend and analyse these processes from personal, didactic and institutional points of view. To achieve this aim, we identified the projects of educational innovation and the teachers who take part in and develop them in their schools. Then we designed and ratified two research tools: a group questionnaire, which all the members of every project of innovation answered jointly, and an individual questionnaire for each participant. The questionnaires were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively to obtain both group and individual views of the projects of innovation in the Andalusian Community. From the results obtained by a factorial analysis of multiple correspondences, we selected seven innovative projects which were the case studies for the following phase of the research. The case studies were carried out by individual and group interviews, and by analysing the records and materials generated in the projects. The results of this part of the research are shown grouped in four categories: the initiation of the project of innovation; aims established; development; and support.