What is Enterprise Learning?

Enterprise context

The current situation in NSW

Cross-curriculum content statements

• Work, employment and enterprise exists as ‘cross-curriculum content’ in all 7 – 10 syllabuses

School to Work Creating Future Pathways Program

• Vision: All students in NSW government schools will be enterprising and capable citizens, well prepared to take charge of their future.
• Enterprise learning is addressed in all Vocational Learning in….. booklets distributed to all NSW DET secondary teachers
• The Employment Related Skills Logbook (distributed to all NSW DET students in Years 9 – 12) contains an enterprise learning section

Building Bridges: Enterprise Learning in the Middle Years

• Is a nationally funded project (DEST) involving NSW DET primary and secondary schools from 2005 – 2007
• Focus of project is upon enterprise learning within the Science and Technology/Technology curriculum areas (Years 5 to 8)

Science and Technology curriculum perspective

Through Building Bridges and other initiatives, direct curriculum links have been established between enterprise learning and the Technology learning areas.

• Teaching students to be enterprising through design-based learning is a significant focus of technology education.
• Most Technology learning is based on project work where the needs of users or audiences are addressed.
• Technology learning outcomes specify explicit learning about processes.

Technology content strands (built environments, products, and information and communication) provide rich opportunities for teachers to situate learning in authentic contexts.

The NSW Model of Pedagogy: Quality Teaching

Intellectual quality

• Enterprise learning by its very nature involves a process of challenging existing thinking and practice, and seeking quality solutions
• The process of enterprising design involves original thought which demonstrates an engagement with higher-order thinking and an ability to communicate substantively what has been learnt

Quality learning environment

• Enterprise learning is represented by an authentic learning environment and an associated pedagogy that engages students in designing the initial learning brief
• By engaging students in the design phase of their learning and encouraging a team approach to learning, enterprise learning models positive relationships between teachers and students and among students

Significance

• Enterprise learning connects students to the broader world in authentic contexts, which is engaging and more meaningful and important to students
• Student participation in enterprise learning includes contexts beyond the classroom and an exploration of multiple understandings and quality solutions