EDUCATION FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

This study investigated the main challenges and opportunities in teacher training and in the implementation of pedagogical innovations in the twenty-first century. The central problem addressed was the need for educators to adapt to the constant changes in the educational environment, driven by technological and social innovations. The general objective was to analyze these challenges and opportunities, seeking to identify effective practices and propose recommendations for improving teaching. The methodology adopted consisted of a bibliographic review, using sources such as books, scientific articles, theses and dissertations. Relevant references were analysed to understand how initial and continuing teacher training can be improved and how pedagogical innovations can be implemented effectively. The results revealed that initial teacher training should integrate theory and practice, while continuing education is indispensable for educators to keep up to date. Pedagogical innovations have proven sufficient to make education dynamic and student-centered, as long as they are well implemented and teachers receive the necessary support. In the final considerations, it was concluded that the continuous training of teachers and the adoption of pedagogical innovations are fundamental for the quality of teaching. The importance of a collaborative approach to overcome challenges and seize opportunities was underscored. Finally, it was recommended that future studies explore different educational contexts to complement the findings.