An Innovative Approach to Education in the Context of Sustainable Development

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of introduction of the main ideas of sustainable development into the practical training of personnel in the Russian higher education institutions. The theoretical basis of the article is the works of famous American and British psychologists (Guilford, Maslow, Torrance, etc.). The authors also relied on the proceedings of the international summits on sustainable development issues. The principles of education for sustainable development which determine the crucial tasks for higher education system in the light of close links with innovations, economy and social sphere have been clarified. The authors have established the role of the innovative approach as a modern educational paradigm which makes changes in objectives, content, methods and tools, forms of organization of collaborative activities of students and instructors, monitoring system and qualitative assessment of educational progress for the benefit of sustainable development. They have substantiated the necessity of achieving two main objectives in the education system: to provide an algorithm for the application of knowledge and prepare students to function in ever-changing unpredictable environment. The importance of the personal fulfillment within a framework of sustainability concept has been maintained. The importance of the personal fulfillment within a framework of sustainability concept has been maintained.