Solving Problems: Project Method

Purpose and process

The purpose of the programme is fourfold:

• To develop students' entrepreneurial spirit, creating an ability to take risks and stimulating creativity and innovation
• To help students build pathways to success in a global economy
• To contribute to the creation of guidelines for the construction of a culture of entrepreneurship in young people
• To provide the right conditions for the students to 'make it happen '.

It consists of two main fields of entrepreneurial activity:

       1. The social axis - in which students actively participate in projects of a social nature:

• Working with non-profit-making organisations, e.g. help with fundraising; increasing the membership; raising awareness on a specific theme using, for example, an internet forum
• Organising socially-oriented activities such as a Fairtrade event
• Organising a Careers conference and inviting professionals to speak to students.

       2. Technological/scientific axis - in which students participate in projects of a technological and scientific nature:

• Designing and implementing energy-saving projects in school
• Organising events or other activities designed to publicise scientific projects.

All learning should be consistent, centred in action, focused on process and results, integrated and multidisciplinary. Students are encouraged to start from their own ideas and choose methods they think will prove to be the appropriate and relevant to their goals.

Learning outcomes

Through participation, students wil be able to:

• Recognize the importance of fostering a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit
• Enhance their entrepreneurship through the development of key skills
• Plan and manage projects in order to achieve goals
• Convey an idea, a project, a strategy of action
• Argue their point in an appropriate and relevant manner, using logical and well-structured discourse
• Have a dynamic attitude towards life, and be able to find the right solutions to alter their reality
• Evaluate, select and work with various methods and strategies to solve problems and achieve goals
• Be proactive, as opposed to waiting passively for orders or instructions.

Curricular or thematic relevance

The programme is taught within a curriculum subject entitled 'Entrepreneurial Learning in High School' which is authorised by the education authorities.

How to organise:

Some of the programme is taught during timetabled lessons but many of the activities occur during suspended and extra-curricular time. Students may also be required to work in their own time when organising large-scale events.

Assessment and evaluation approaches

The evaluation process focuses on improving the quality of the students' performance regarding their participation in the  community. Evaluation should be guided by the learning objectives and is based on criteria relating to quality, relevance, appropriateness of the interventions, student commitment, work organisation and compliance with rules.The classifying levels of The student's performance is rated on a 3-level, qualitative scale: Very satisfactory; Satisfactory; Insufficient.

Curricular or thematic relevance (NOT TO BE USED)

Our school has a curricular subject named Entrepreneurial learning in high school. In elementary grades we work social skills through a curricular subject living in a community We define a specific curriculum alowed by authorities

Volunteer involvement

Employer and community engagement is essential in this programme; the success of events and activities organised by the students are dependent on attendance of external partners, including charitable organisations, young people, professionals fro a wide range of occupations, and entrepreneurs.

Additional comments

 

Provider country

Portugal

Files for download:

programa__aprender_a_empreender.pdf / 184kB