ENCOURAGING ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IN STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOOL PROJECTS: “IDEA EXCHANGE AS A MODEL OF INNOVATION AND COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT”

Abstract

The paper will present the importance of introducing entrepreneurship in primary and secondary schools, and especially its importance for the professional orientation of primary school students. Opinions will be expressed about entrepreneurs, as well as idea exchanges as a model of innovation and competence development. An entrepreneur is an enterprising person focused on the future, recognizes opportunities that others miss, is aware of the uncertainty and risks that change brings. An entrepreneur creates and innovates. For economists, an entrepreneur is a person who, by combining available resources in different ways, creates greater value, but also who introduces changes and innovations. For psychologists, an entrepreneur is a person who is guided by the need to achieve or acquire something, to experiment. For business people, an entrepreneur is competition, but also an ally, someone who finds better ways to use available resources. For teachers, an entrepreneur is a learner who successfully valorizes the knowledge and skills acquired in the learning process, and thus ensures success on a personal and professional level. An entrepreneur is a learner who is able to see the whole picture of their learning, its value and applicability. An entrepreneur-learner sees learning as a means by which they will achieve progress and successful inclusion in life. All entrepreneurs are characterized by hard work, perseverance, determination and flexibility in response to problems. There are three groups of attitudes, skills and knowledge that an enterprising person needs to possess in order to be successful in what they do. A few quick ideas for encouraging entrepreneurship in the school context will be presented: School student cooperative – students produce and sell ornamental plants, homemade products, bee products, souvenirs or the like. Students learn about production, marketing and finance. Mini-Business Project Days – students set up mini-companies for a day, develop a product or service, create advertisements and present their ideas. School Entrepreneurship Fair – students create products or services that they present to their parents and community. Micro-enterprises in the classroom – students develop an idea, keep financial records and learn about profit, costs and marketing. Young Entrepreneur Camp – a short summer or weekend camp where students learn about entrepreneurship through practical activities. Innovative services at school – e.g. students can run a library, organize language classes or sports activities for younger students and charge a nominal fee. Entrepreneurial Ideas Competition – students present ideas for new products or services, and the winners can realize their projects with the support of the school.