THE ESSENCE OF INNOVATION IMPLEMENTATION IN THE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

Abstract

The article focuses on the definition of innovations in educational activities context and determines innovations as proposals for qualitative change in pedagogical materials, approaches, and values that are perceived as new by individuals who comprise a formal education system. It has been revealed the essence of the innovation process which is introduced in the activities of higher education institution. The authors characterize the antiinnovative barriers which impede the effective implementation of innovations at the present stage. These main barriers facing innovations are grouped into three categories: faculty-related (lack of academic staff understanding of the innovations; innovations which are in no line with faculty staff’s values and beliefs; negative attitude triggered by the additional workload), systemrelated (poor communication and lack of trust between change agents and innovation champions; lack of appropriate resources to support innovations; insufficient professional development and support for academics; failure to fill up the gap between rhetoric and reality; scepticism caused by previous failed attempts at innovation) and university-related (lack of support for innovations; lack of support from senior management; inadequate university-based resources; student difficulties in adapting to innovations implemented by academic staff). The principles of the organisation of the innovation implementation process in educational activities are clarified. The article provides for the identification and description of the factors influencing the successful implementation of innovations in educational process of modern higher educational institution, such as motivation, communication, commitment, realistic and proper evaluation, institutionalisation.