2.3 ENTERPRISE PEDAGOGY Over the years, plenty of research has been done to look at the different types of entrepreneurship learning approaches that can be used. A great way to see this laid out is in New Horizons in Entrepreneurship - these are categorised as ‘about’, ‘for’, ‘through’ and ‘embedded’ entrepreneurship.
ABOUT
Generally teaches theories and concepts about business start up and development. e.g. Teaching some units within a course like National 5 Business Management without opportunities for practical application of learning.
FOR
Focuses on skills development directly connected with entrepreneurship, such as pitching skills and networking with a view to establish a new venture. e.g. Participating in a competition to pitch a concept or running a careers networking event to link students to potential local employers.
THROUGH
Encourages ‘learning by doing’ where learners can adopt a voluntary role, consultancy project with a small business or establish and run their own small business. e.g. Work placement or programme where students set-up and run their own business with support from those in industry.
EMBEDDED
(Can be present within each of the previous 3 approaches). Where entrepreneurial learning is embedded within the core curriculum offer but might not always be referred to explicitly as enterprise/entrepreneurial education. Enterprise values and learning are instilled through generic learning outcomes by a slight adjustment in pedagogy to enable learners to develop their entrepreneurial competences. e.g. Where opportunities for pupils to lead, collaborate and add value through their learning happen across the curriculum and beyond the schools' 4 walls.
Whilst the potential to promote an enterprising mindset varies across the methods above, a combination of types of intervention throughout the different stages of education can only serve to expand the opportunities for young people to develop the relevant skills and attributes.
© Scotland's Enterprising Schools 2022
