Title: Authentic competence-based learning in university education in entrepreneurship

Authors: Jan Nab, Albert Pilot, Sjaak Brinkkemper, Hanne Ten Berge

Addresses: IVLOS Institute of Education, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, P.O. Box 80127, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands. ' IVLOS Institute of Education and Department of Chemistry, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, P.O. Box 80127, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands. ' Department of Information and Computing Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14 3584CH Utrecht, The Netherlands. ' Ivlos Institute of Education, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, P.O. Box 80127, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands

Abstract: In this paper we present the concept of authentic learning as an integrated part of competence-based learning in entrepreneurship education, focusing on the relevance of this conceptual framework for education in entrepreneurship. The study aims to verify a set of design principles for entrepreneurship education for science students at the university level, based on the theory of authentic learning. The design principles of authentic learning, which are presented in this paper, are deduced from an initial design of a course in entrepreneurship in ICT at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. The outcomes of this course were evaluated in starting ventures, learning effects and perception of students. Based on the evaluation results, the design principles were adjusted and new principles were added. Design principles can help in describing interventions in education in entrepreneurship in forthcoming studies.

Keywords: competence-based learning; entrepreneurship education; higher education; universities; curriculum design; authentic learning; ICT; information technology; communications technology; Netherlands; science education; business ventures; learning effects; student perception; competencies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2010.029502

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2010 Vol.9 No.1, pp.20 - 35

Published online: 30 Nov 2009 *

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