How to effectively teach the future leaders and entrepreneurs

Teaching entrepreneurship and leadership in schools is essential for equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and resilience, educators can help students become innovative problem-solvers and confident leaders. Integrating these skills into the curriculum through modern teaching approaches not only prepares students for future careers but also empowers them to navigate real-world challenges. This article explores various methods and strategies that can be used to effectively teach entrepreneurship and leadership in the classroom, ensuring students are ready to thrive in today's dynamic environment.

The new edition of the course “Teaching entrepreneurship and leadership at school” took place in Bologna from 21/07/2024 to 27/07/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Miguel Ángel Martín De León from IES SOBRADILLO in Spain; Kaspar Kivastik and Alfiya Safina from the both from the Estonian Kanepi High School.

Teaching entrepreneurship and leadership in schools is crucial in preparing students for the future, and educators now have a range of tools to integrate these skills with traditional methods. A recent course provided participants with insights into innovative strategies like Project-Based Learning (PBL), Non-Formal Education, Outdoor Education, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), aimed at enhancing the teaching of entrepreneurship and leadership.

The week began with a focus on entrepreneurship, exploring the European framework's competencies and discussing how to incorporate entrepreneurial thinking into classrooms. This was followed by practical sessions on the entrepreneur's toolbox, including goal-setting strategies, self-motivation techniques, and tools like SWOT analysis and the CANVAS business model. These sessions equipped educators with practical ways to help students assess strengths, identify opportunities, and create business plans.

By midweek, the course emphasized entrepreneurship skills such as creativity and public speaking, helping participants foster innovation and effective communication. Leadership and teamwork were the focus on Thursday, with activities designed to enhance collaboration and inspire others. The week concluded with training on assertiveness and descriptive feedback, teaching participants how to communicate confidently and offer constructive feedback, skills essential for both entrepreneurship and teaching.

Throughout the course, PBL was highlighted as a powerful tool for engaging students with real-world issues, promoting teamwork, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Non-Formal Education also played a key role, focusing on experiential learning through activities that encourage reflection, conceptualization, and application. This approach empowers students by giving them an active role in their learning process.

Outdoor Education offered a refreshing alternative to traditional classroom settings, with participants engaging in a treasure hunt around Bologna, utilizing ICT tools. This method boosted motivation, creativity, and well-being, demonstrating the benefits of learning in natural environments. ICT was a consistent theme, with participants exploring innovative tools to create interactive lessons, assess students, and enhance classroom engagement.

By the end of the week, participants were eager to apply these strategies in their classrooms, leaving with practical tools, fresh ideas, and a strong sense of inspiration.

Discover more about this course here.