Entrepreneurial Mindset in the Classroom
“An entrepreneur is a problem finder, a problem solver and an innovator” (Mark Greenberg, BuildEd). As our students have access to more information than ever it can be easy for them to assume that everything has been thought of and that there must be someone working on every problem. However, those with an entrepreneurial mindset will see a problem as a challenge and an opportunity to innovate. How can we as educators, nurture our students' love of problems and promote a culture of prototyping, failing upwards and innovation. How can we encourage students to “Fall in love with the problem, not the solution” (Future Design School)
One such opportunity recently came up for grade 9 students at Rundle College Conklin campus. They were given a major opportunity to exercise their entrepreneurial muscle. Their task was to look at Alberta’s energy future and design solutions or innovations that would work within our this energy landscape. Students rose to the challenge and prototyped ideas that would revolutionize the current oil and gas industry, alter the alternate energy sectors and simply reduce the carbon footprint of Rundle College itself. They presented their ideas in an “Angel’s Den” at the central library to a panel of experts from Calgary and BC. The Angels were all impressed with the diversity of their ideas and presented the overall award to two students that have an app idea to reduce the carbon footprint and the chaos of the Rundle College parking lot.
Students were buzzing after the “Angel’s Den” presentation and had many comments that highlighted the power of the entrepreneurial mindset. Some of their comments highlighted a renewed interest in science and their understanding that maybe they even at their young age they have the power to create change.
“I tried to start my grade 9 a little more chill but this project had me inadvertently excited about science” anonymous grade 9 student
“It was a thought provoking experience that was thoroughly enjoyed and provided opportunity for us to think of an idea and actually follow it through to the end. It allowed us to be put in a business and entrepreneurial mindset which allowed us to imagine what it is like being in the workforce and making change.” Scott Mitchell, Grade 9 Student
“I thought it was fascinating because big members of the Candian Energy Regulators Board and other experts in the field of energy actually listened to us and took us as students seriously. It got me excited to think that we as students actually have the ability to make change, and that we have important thoughts and ideas that are valuable for adults to hear.” Sam Ross, Grade 9 Student
Although opportunities like this are phenomenal and have students excited about prototyping and innovating. The big question that remains is how do we keep up this level of excitement for innovation in the classroom and encourage the growth of each students' entrepreneurial mind?
Lisa Corbett and Julie Bohay
Science 9
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