The Future of Education

The paper present Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) experience of introducing an innovative first cycle (Bachelors) programme in Business (Team Entrepreneurship). 

The programme uses coaching and mentoring methods of learning and teaching, based on ‘Tiimiakatemia’ principles. As part of the ‘Team Academy’ network, the programme is part of an international learning community created with the specific aim of giving young adults the skills, knowledge and personal qualities required to run their own businesses while at the same time studying for a University degree.

The programme does not use traditional classrooms, lectures, examinations or assessment methods. Within the first two weeks of enrolling on the programme, students form teams and are given the task of developing and establishing real businesses, which will generate income and / or social enterprise. Local business leaders, academics and students, as co-creators in their own learning, participate in a variety of real-world projects – from organising events to running retail outlets – to create profitable and productive businesses within a social enterprise context. Students learn the theory and practice of finance; marketing; leadership and strategy; ethical and moral principles of business and entrepreneurship as members of local, regional and international business and learning communities.

The paper will discuss the challenges, benefits and lessons learned of establishing an innovative learning and teaching programme within a traditional University; approaches to gaining the support and participation of business-leaders and social entrepreneurs; students’ engagement in the learning process and successes to date.