THE TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATIONAL MODELS AS THE KEY FACTOR OF ECO-INNOVATIONS

Eco-innovation is a crucial factor in the drive towards sustainable development, albeit a knowledge-intensive process that requires a fundamental transformation of the education system. The focus should be on sustainable education, characterized by holistic approaches, strategic planning and transformative change. Key elements are learning experience systems that include cognitive understanding, practical skills, social cohesion and emotional intelligence. As UNESCO points out, eight key competences - systemic thinking, forecasting, regulatory and strategic approaches, cooperation, critical thinking, confidence and integrated problem solving - are essential for achieving the SDGs. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of learning methods on students' involvement in the creation and implementation of eco-innovations. The study involved first year students who were split into two groups. The first group was a traditional learning group that took a course of study using traditional lectures and a test of theoretical knowledge. The second group was the active learning group, where students were involved in the study process and active learning methods were used. The next year of study, the active learning group showed better results on an environmental technology study course, as well as taking part in hackathons where eco-innovations were created.