Project-Based Learning as a Tool of Enhancing of Entrepreneurial Attitude of Students

Abstract

The increase in employment and productivity is crucial for the economic growth of the European Union. Specifically, the employment of young people needs to be increased. The excessively theoretical approach to education is identified as one of the most significant problems in the educational system. Acquirement of practical experience while study, presents for the students the advantage when applying for a job or starting their own business. Self-employment or entrepreneurship might be one of the partial solutions for high youth unemployment in EU countries. The information and communication technologies transform education processes already for decades. The education in the area of entrepreneurship is also the field where these transformations occur. New educational forms and tools are being used in this area. Project-Based Learning and virtual laboratory are two examples of such new forms of education supported by information and communication technologies used in entrepreneurial education. This paper aims to present how project-based learning and virtual laboratory can support entrepreneurial education on the examples of two courses offered at our faculty. Through project-based learning, participants of these courses achieve the opportunity to implement their knowledge, skills, and experience to solve practical problems. It, all together, enhances the students' motivation and involvement in the educational process. They also practical experience establishing and managing a small virtual business within the virtual laboratory of entrepreneurial education. The paper describes the setup of these courses, their content, and evaluation by students and achieved results. The findings show that project-based learning and the virtual lab supporting entrepreneurship education via electronic tools are useful ways of entrepreneurial skills development.

Academic achievement: the effect of project-based online learning method and student engagement

“…(2021) revealed that Project-Based Learning on the independence of students' interest in entrepreneurship has a significant influence of 38.2% contribution. Research from Paľová et al. (2020) revealed that implementing project-based learning and virtual laboratories supports entrepreneurship education in the two study programs offered by the economics faculty.…”

How Entrepreneurship Education Can Help Student Thrive in the Digital Age? : The Implications of Creative and Innovative Learning

“…Bandera et al (2018) found that experiential entrepreneurship education supported by technology has a positive influence on students' inclination to take risks. Similarly, research conducted by Pal'Ová et al (2020) indicates that project-based learning supported by technology enhances students' motivation and engagement in the learning process. Furthermore, in a case study conducted by Oliver & Oliver (2022), experiential learning activities were found to enhance the understanding of one's role and responsibilities in a business simulation.…”

“…Several gathered studies indicate that experiential learning and project-based learning are considered effective in entrepreneurship education. (Bandera et al, 2018;Oliver & Oliver, 2022;Pal'Ová et al, 2020). Bandera et al (2018) found that experiential entrepreneurship education supported by technology has a positive influence on students' inclination to take risks.…”

“…On the other hand, project-based learning focuses on problem-solving and product creation (Teymurova et al, 2020). Project-based learning is widely recognized as a suitable method for teaching the new generation of digitally native students (Pal'Ová et al, 2020). Learning through experience and direct student engagement in entrepreneurial activities enables them to analyze, enhance problem-solving skills, and become more courageous in making and implementing decisions.…”

“…Learning Technique. In the process of experiential and project-based learning, various techniques can be employed, including business simulations, role-playing, entrepreneurship competitions (such as business plans), and entrepreneurship incubators (Ho & Chen, 2023;Oliver & Oliver, 2022;Pal'Ová et al, 2020;Tóth-Pajor et al, 2023). These methods can enhance student engagement and foster problem-solving skills.…”