The development of an entrepreneurial mindset in primary education

Abstract

This article provides insights into the design thinking method, a teaching strategy for developing creativity, innovative thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset in young people as a universally applicable skill. It presents results from a study of 146 seventh- and eighth-grade students, aged 12–14 and 20 teachers across 10 Slovene schools. Teachers used the design thinking method to facilitate hands-on student projects and evaluated their effectiveness in cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset. The two teachers per class submitted a combined final report of their experience and observations. In addition, a study facilitator visited each school several times to discuss the project with the teachers, observe the class, and take notes. Thirteen factors that contributed to students’ entrepreneurial mindset were identified and organized into three clusters: project factors, the learning environment in which it was carried out, and the learning and teaching factors.