Learning Program
Youth Start Learning Program
The Learning program is conceived as a challenge-based learning methodology. It has a flexible and transversal interdisciplinary method and targets students at primary and secondary levels of education. It makes it possible for teachers, in all kinds of schools (regular and vocational) and from various subjects, to embed it in their classes and use the modules with their students. The programme is also adaptable and targets students at primary and secondary schools and involves various subject areas including Languages, Economics, Math, Physical Education, Environment, Arts, Philosophy, Science, and IT, among others.
The programme is based on the “TRIO Model for Entrepreneurship Education”, which encompasses three segments. “Core Entrepreneurial Education” comprises basic qualifications for entrepreneurial thinking and acting, more precisely the competence to develop and implement ideas. “Entrepreneurial Culture” refers to the promotion of personal competences in a social context. We speak of a culture of open-mindedness, empathy, teamwork and creativity as well as risk-taking and awareness of risks. “Entrepreneurial Civic Education” aims at enhancing social competencies and empowering students in their role as citizens. After all, democratic thinking and self-reflection help young people express their opinions and assume responsibility for themselves, others and the environment.
The challenges focus on fostering certain competencies in the areas of cognitive and personal development, economic education and ethical and social contexts. The 18 Challenge Families of the 3 TRIO segments cover a broad range of themes, activities, and situations of entrepreneurship education, with one common goal: encouraging young people to be open to new ideas and to implement these ideas creatively.
There are a great variety of different competencies. To provide a structured overview we have based our programme on the Framework of References for Entrepreneurship Competencies, which provides three main categories: “Developing Ideas”, “Implementing Ideas” and “Thinking Sustainability”. In addition, we have grouped the competencies according to teaching levels from A1 to C2. Competence descriptions, for instance, include “I can develop creative ideas; “I can evaluate business risks using case studies;” and “I can see ethical problems and solve them”. This multi-dimensional diversification makes it possible to set very precise goals for learning success.
The Challenges are based on the “Framework of References for Entrepreneurship Competencies” and encompass four proficiency levels, from beginner/ elementary (A1) to upper-intermediate (B2). B2 challenges are aimed at upper secondary education students who have completed B1 challenges throughout the previous school year. These challenges have been highly praised by the participating students and teachers due to the wide range of themes, activities, and situations of entrepreneurship education they provide, with the purpose of encouraging young people to think creatively and turn their ideas into practice.
Description of each challenge and pedagogical materials can be found at the Learning Program website at www.youthstart.eu
CHALLENGES
