This article discusses the value that universities can bring to the development of entrepreneurs and an entrepreneurial culture.

Appropriate Subject Area(s):

Entrepreneurship, business management, human resources, education, innovation

Key Questions to Explore:

• Are entrepreneurs born or made?

New Terminology:

Graduate thesis, incubators, accelerators, proliferating, R&D, venture capital

Materials Needed:

Chart attached

Introduction to lesson and task:

As the article states, campuses across Canada are providing homes for budding entrepreneurs. But some are expressing caution, and this lesson will have students explore whether this is the best way to develop an entrepreneurial culture.

Action (lesson plan and task):

1. Distribute the article for reading for homework.
2. In small groups have students complete the attached chart to highlight key findings in the article.
3. Combine groups to share their learning.
4. Have students discuss their thoughts on the article.
5. Have students discuss how taking entrepreneurship in high school shapes their thinking about their own futures.
6. Share ideas and thoughts as a class.

Consolidation of Learning:

1. Divide the class into two groups.  Have one group research and prepare to debate that ‘entrepreneurs are born’ and the other group research and prepare to debate that ‘entrepreneurs are made’.  Use the representative-cooperative learning group format to undertake the debates in class.
2. Have students research a post-secondary institution, college or university in their own community, or one they would think about attending, to identify what support the institution has for entrepreneurs.  Have them report back to the class.

Success Criteria:

• Students understand the programs available to them to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in post-secondary education.

Confirming Activity:

• Have students express their thoughts in writing, in picture form, in a video or other digital medium on the following:

The article states that Canada needs more entrepreneurs to drive productivity and to close the innovation gap. What does this mean? Why does Canada need this?  What ideas do you have that could contribute to this?