Experiential Learning and the Development of Entrepreneurial Competence

Daliborka Luketić and Valerija Šinko

Summary:  The acquisition of entrepreneurial competence during compulsory education is not only the goal but also the pedagogical expectation and the expected outcome of modern education. Such an acquisition— in its complexity of formulation, definitions as well as skills and abilities—is a challenge for educational stakeholders. At the same time, the search for effective solutions, approaches and models for implementation in the educational process remains open and needs to be analysed and evaluated. This paper aims to analyse the benefits of learning through gaining experience with the aim of mastering entrepreneurship as one of the key competencies required for self-actualisation, lifelong development and achieving global competitiveness in the labour market. It describes, analyses and identifies elements of experiential learning as a prerequisite for the acquisition of entrepreneurial competence. The paper presents the results of research conducted on a specific educational model for entrepreneurship: The Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence of Varaždin County (Croatia). From the analysis and interpretation of the obtained results, the findings show that the concepts of experiential learning and teaching at the Centre have been implemented through didactic-methodical work with students. Thus, these concepts are an effective approach for the development of entrepreneurship among students.