Social Entrepreneurship and Complex Thinking: Validation of SEL4C Methodology for Scaling the Perception of Achieved Competency

Abstract

This article aims to show the validated results of implementing a self-created methodology for developing the perceived achievement of social entrepreneurship competency and how this methodology is equally valid in developing the perceived achievement of complex thinking competency. Presenting a multivariate descriptive statistical analysis, this article offers the results of an educational intervention carried out on a sample group of students from a Mexican university before and after implementing the SEL4C (Social Entrepreneurship Learning for Complexity) methodology (developed by the Interdisciplinary Research Group IRG Reasoning for Complexity R4C at the Institute for the Future of Education IFE of the Tecnologico de Monterrey). It corroborates that the proposed methodology impacts the perceived achievement of social entrepreneurship competency and its sub-competencies and also manages to develop the perception of achievement of the complex thinking competency. This article contributes to the studies associated with the formation of competencies and the social entrepreneurship approach as a valid pedagogical tool for developing transversal skills.

SEL4C: Mobile Application for the Development of Social Entrepreneurship Competency

“…This training empowers individuals, ignites their innovative spirit, and propels economic development, thus facilitating the cultivation of invaluable entrepreneurial skills [31]. Nonetheless, education in social entrepreneurship requires a more extensive focus on cognitive aspects compared to traditional entrepreneurship, posing a challenge for mentors, educators, and educational institutions that might not possess the specialized resources necessary for teaching these competencies [7].…”

“…Building on this perspective, a team of academics from the Tecnológico de Monterrey designed the Social Entrepreneurship Learning for Complexity (SEL4C) methodology. This approach, through a set of educational activities, enables individuals from any background or field of study to acquire and develop skills associated with social entrepreneurship [7]. To extend the reach of this methodology, the SEL4C Mobile Application has been developed as a technological tool that leverages the benefits of a cellphone to trigger entrepreneurial ideation processes related to local problems.…”

Cultural Imaginaries and Complex Thinking: Impact of Cultural Education on the Development of Perceived Achievement of Complex Thinking in Undergraduates

“…Complex thinking is conceived as a macro-competency because it includes four associated sub-competencies: critical, systemic, scientific, and innovative (or creative) thinking (Vázquez-Parra et al 2023). Critical thinking is a type of reasoning that facilitates the evaluation and validity of cognitive processes underpinning the generation of logical judgments regarding a situation or problem, deconstructing existing paradigms regarding current events (Cui et al 2021).…”

Competency-Based Learning: An Approach Integrating the Domains of Complex Thinking Competency in a Group of Mexican Students

“…This was done by expressing the data's maximum variability in a new set of independent and uncorrelated components according to the original variables. In this sense, as many principal components as variables would be analyzed (Cruz-Sandoval et al, 2023). Subsequently, a Biplot analysis was performed to complement the PCA.…”

“…This analysis allowed us to know more graphically the behavior of our observations (students) using the components that captured the maximum variability of our data (Gabriel, 1971). Thus, a Biplot of form α = 1 was performed, allowing us to illustrate better the behavior of the observations (Cruz-Sandoval et al, 2023). Finally, a BoxPlot analysis was performed for each sub-competency domain area (attitudes or values, knowledge, and skills).…”