Entrepreneurial Thinking in Secondary Education: Fostering the development of employable skills among secondary school students
Dragoi, Anamaria (2019)
Dragoi, Anamaria
2019
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019120324406
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019120324406
Tiivistelmä
Addressing a lack of relevance and authenticity of the learning environment in the secondary education system in terms of preparing high school students for the future workforce is essential. Supporting young generations to learn how to become adaptable in a future workforce should become a greater focus point of the education system. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of entrepreneurial education and how entrepreneurial thinking activities foster the development of employable skills. The need for students to learn how to communicate their ideas effectively, adapt, problem-solve and think critically is essential. This thesis is grounded in Golden & Rodriguez’s (2018) work on the “Measuring Entrepreneurial Mindset In Youth: Learnings From the NFTE's Entrepreneurial Mindset Index”. Golden & Rodriguez’s (2018) suggest that introducing an entrepreneurial mindset into the classroom is an important focus point in many programs and initiatives that aim to prepare the young generation for the future (Gold & Rodriguez, 2018). In fact, one of the most common forms of experiential learning in secondary education in Ontario is entrepreneurial education. The Entrepreneurial Thinking program’s approach has students working on topics of their own interest. The program integrates new concepts of teaching and learning, and STEM curriculum connection through problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity to foster the development of employable skills in a collaborative and engaging environment. A multi-method research methodology was used to explore a variety of in-person and online experiences aiming to give high school students the skills they need to learn how to organize a business enterprise as well as the adoption of employable skills. This study highlights that giving students the flexibility and the opportunity to work on a project of their own interest, increases student engagement and improves learning outcomes by empowering them to choose and define the scope of their innovation project and see the tangible link between entrepreneurial and STEM education, and the success of their project. Findings further suggest that, by shifting the focus to a student-centered approach, students can better connect with their learning, creating meaningful experiences and connections.