Perceptions of Innovation and Educational Quality: A Study in a Higher Education Institution

Abstract

Educational innovation is understood as the integration of pedagogical methodologies, strategies, and resources that transform teaching practices and foster meaningful learning. Beyond the refinement of existing techniques, it involves structural changes that respond to contemporary challenges in higher education. In this context, educational quality is conceived as a multidimensional construct that encompasses inclusive, contextualized, and up-to-date learning processes, in which students play a central role within a positive institutional climate. This study examines how methodological innovation, educational leadership, the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and learning-centered pedagogical approaches contribute to educational quality in a Brazilian university. Active learning methodologies supported by digital resources are shown to strengthen key competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, while continuous professional development enables teachers to act effectively as mediators of learning. The findings suggest that the alignment between innovative teaching practices and institutional conditions enhances the effectiveness, equity, and relevance of the teaching–learning process, contributing to the preparation of students for the social, technological, and cultural challenges of the twenty-first century.