Page 31 - UPthEM_Program_Final_December 2020

At least six key elements of the effective classroom could be listed – classroom design, rules,
discipline, schedule, organization, communication.

In the context of the innovative teaching methods narrative, it is the virtual classroom that is often
mentioned as a good practice. It is especially topical nowadays in times of public health
emergencies. A virtual classroom is an online learning environment that allows for live interactions
between the educator and the learners as both sides are participating in learning activities. Virtual
classrooms are based on the use of tools such as videoconferencing and online whiteboard for real-
time collaboration, or Google classroom as a free virtual platform. The application of virtual
classroom’s instruments is of major importance when it comes to international entrepreneurship
education programmes with participants from more than one country/region.

Learning by doing

Entrepreneurship as a career is best learned by doing (using some format of practice or
apprenticeship). Doing something practical and having an opportunity to question, investigate,
converse, and discuss with real-world entrepreneurs gives not only knowledge, but also skills. The
students should realize the importance of preparing a business plan, gain an overview of the
Business Plan structure and preparation process, and get some practice in writing a business plan
on the basis of their own business idea. Knowledge on how to implement a business idea,
experience of business planning and information on the process of setting up an enterprise should
motivate students to think about setting up their own business and as a result, bring more of them
to entrepreneurship.

Customer development/Lean startup (This is optional, depending on the concrete class of trainees)

There are two influential entrepreneurial concepts with an address in the Silicon Valley in the
United States – customer development and lean startup. Both are oriented towards the validation
of the assumption that a product/service creates value to people/customers. The respective tools
associated with customer development and lean startup could be used in the educational domain
allowing educators to give advice to learners on how to manage a value creation process involving
stakeholders.

The Entrepreneurial teacher

In 2014 the European Commission published a Guide on Entrepreneurship Education, where the
so called “entrepreneurial teachers” are described in detail. It is said that:

“They are inspirational, open-minded and confident, flexible and responsible — but also, from
time to time, rule-breakers. They listen well, can harness and sell ideas and can work student- and
action-oriented. They are team players and have a good network. They seek to close the gap

Project 2019-1-BG01-KA204_062299
The content of this material does not necessary reflect the official position of the European Union.