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A problem‐based learning approach to entrepreneurship education

Siok San Tan (Republic Polytechnic, Singapore)
C. K. Frank Ng (Republic Polytechnic, Singapore)

Education + Training

ISSN: 0040-0912

Article publication date: 1 July 2006

5721

Abstract

Purpose

While it is generally acknowledged that entrepreneurship can be taught, many differ in their opinions about the appropriate methodologies to teach and equip students with the requisite entrepreneurial skills. This paper presents a case to suggest that a problem‐based learning (PBL) approach practised at the Republic Polytechnic in Singapore could be an effective pedagogical approach for entrepreneurship education.

Design/methodology/approach

Using case study method, the performance of a pioneer batch of students who took up the entrepreneurship programme (designed using PBL) was monitored and documented.

Findings

It is found that problems that simulate entrepreneurial situations within the classroom environment contribute to enhancing students' appreciation and capacity for entrepreneurship. The findings generally support the notion that PBL, premised upon an active learning and multi‐solution approach, shares many similar characteristics as the interdisciplinary and “learning‐by‐doing” approach of entrepreneurship education.

Research limitations/implications

Further, research to track and measure the post‐programme outcomes of the students' entrepreneurial development is needed to determine the efficacy of entrepreneurship education using the PBL approach.

Originality/value

Pedagogical practices may not have been significantly considered as viable means of increasing the efficacy of entrepreneurship education. This case study signals to entrepreneurship educators and researchers that more emphasis could possibly be placed on developing innovative practices for entrepreneurship education.

Keywords

Citation

San Tan, S. and Ng, C.K.F. (2006), "A problem‐based learning approach to entrepreneurship education", Education + Training, Vol. 48 No. 6, pp. 416-428. https://doi.org/10.1108/00400910610692606

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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