ACTIVE METHODOLOGIES IN EDUCATION: INNOVATION AND STUDENT AGENCY IN THE TEACHING-LEARNING PROCESS

Abstract

Social, technological, and educational transformations over recent decades have encouraged the adoption of pedagogical practices that promote meaningful, participatory, and student-centered learning. In this context, active learning methodologies have emerged as effective strategies for fostering autonomy, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills by placing students at the center of the educational process. This chapter aims to discuss the main contributions of active methodologies to pedagogical innovation and the promotion of student agency, highlighting their theoretical foundations, potential benefits, challenges, and applications across different educational levels and educational contexts. This qualitative study is based on a narrative literature review of scientific articles, books, and official documents published primarily between 2018 and 2026, retrieved from the SciELO, ERIC, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The findings indicate that approaches such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Project-Based Learning, the Flipped Classroom, Gamification, Blended Learning, and Collaborative Learning enhance student engagement, strengthen teacher–student interaction, and contribute to the development of cognitive, socio-emotional, and digital competencies essential for contemporary education. However, the literature also highlights challenges related to teacher professional development, technological infrastructure, pedagogical planning, and institutional support for the effective implementation of these methodologies. It is concluded that active methodologies are valuable tools for educational innovation, contributing to the creation of dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive learning environments in which students play a central role in knowledge construction while teachers act as facilitators of the learning process.