FIND METHODS AND TOOLS

Below you will find the model of an Entrepreneurship-PBL-process that forms the basis of our work with the development of students' entrepreneurial competences. The model itself can be used as a tool to plan an entrepreneurial PBL process. Along with the model, you can find an overview of other methods and tools you can use in your teaching. The tools are categorized in accordance with the Entrepreneurship-PBL-process.

 

The Entrepreneurship PBL process model

With the model of the Entrepreneurship-PBL-process, we emphasize that in an entrepreneurship-oriented project there is a more deliberate focus on innovation and value creation than in a traditional PBL project. The model contains the same elements as a traditional PBL process, but it enriches the learning process with a special focus on the iterative aspect, where students get the opportunity to go through the phases of the model several times. In addition, the model describes that the aimed results are to ensure both learning for the students and new value for external parties.

Tools for each phase of the model

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    Group formation - wondering and ideas for problem fields

    The process starts with the formation of the group, after which the students begin their search for potential project ideas, based on their own wonderments, interests and experiences (e.g. sustainability, technology, health, everyday problems, study, etc.). From there, the group generates many other different ideas. Expand the following menu to discover useful tools for this phase. Click on the tool to download the PDF description of the tool.

     

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    Perspective and problem understanding

    The many ideas must now be qualified as the basis for selection. This will typically happen through quick rounds in the cycle, where problem and solution options are explored through desktop research and involvement of the immediate network. Expand the following menu to discover useful tools for this phase. Click on the tool to download the PDF description of the tool.

     

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    Choice of methods and theories

    Based on the chosen idea, the students discuss possible theoretical choices, empirical data collection and research methods to qualify and put the problem into perspective. Courses and relevant literature are included as ongoing inspiration. Over time the problem is further qualified as new knowledge is acquired. Expand the following menu to discover useful tools for this phase.

     

    TOOLS FOR THIS PHASE

    Click on the tool to download the PDF description of the tool.

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    Exploration of assumptions

    In this phase, the members run through several iterations, where they use several input types and dive deeper into them. In interaction with relevant actors (e.g. customers, users, investors, etc.), the group analyzes, creates, validates results that are gradually improved, changed and documented. If the learning loop reveals too many problems with value creation or other setbacks, the group can change essential parameters (e.g. the market segment) or choose a completely new idea. Expand the following menu to discover useful tools for this phase.

     

    TOOLS FOR THIS PHASE

    Click on the tool to download the PDF description of the tool.

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    Experiments

    Experiments are about trying things out, observing the results they bring, learning from them and then trying again. Here, the group makes many (creative) methodological choices of how to most effectively obtain data (e.g. interviews, questionnaires and tests). The group also validates hypotheses and gathers the results in a prototype (a quick and unfinished version of the idea in the form of e.g. a product or a process). The feedback that the group receives in this phase sends them forward or back through the phases. Expand the following menu to discover useful tools for this phase.

     

    TOOLS FOR THIS PHASE

    Click on the tool to download the PDF description of the tool.

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    Outcome: New value creation for others and learning for the students

    When the project time has passed and several cycles have been completed, the group documents their learning and value creation in a report and possibly a final prototype to be presented to their collaborator. Based on feedback and reflection on the project, as well as the learning and value creation process, the students increase their academic learning, while also gaining concrete experiences for and development of their entrepreneurial competencies. Unfold the menu and find tools for this phase.

     

    TOOLS FOR THIS PHASE

    Click on the tool to download the PDF description of the tool.

Gateway to tools

1-2-GROUP

1-2-group promotes the entrepreneurial mindset with room for creativity and innovation through group formation and group work. The method encourages group idea generation processes leading to the generation of more ideas before the groups select ideas to continue with.
Click here to download the tool.

IMAGE PRODUCTION

Image production focuses on conceptualization in the initial phase of an entrepreneurship PBL project. The tool focuses in particular on collaborative processes and common thematization, and it contributes to students getting to talk to each other and take an interest in each other's understandings of different phenomena.
Click here to download the tool.

THE FIE MODEL

The FIE model can support the development of a new entrepreneurship PBL project, where FIE becomes a preliminary study for the project. The tool can also be used in the project itself, where it can increase the likelihood that the project will create value for the students and for the partners involved.
Click here to download the tool.

FUTURE WORKSHOP

The Future Workshop guides students through key dimensions of an innovation process from problem identification to realization. This is done with the help of rules and structures that, in a democratic way, support a collaborative innovation process.
Click here to download the tool.

LEARNING PLAN

Learning plan can be an effective progression tool for an entrepreneur or project group during the development and implementation of a project. The tool supports all phases of an entrepreneurship-PBL-project.
Click here to download the tool.

METHOD FOR INDRODUCTING BUSINESS CASES INTO PROJECTS

Method for introducing business cases ensures value creation in a project by introducing learning objectives around business cases and cost-benefit analyses. The tool is an exemplification of how to get through the whole process in an entrepreneurship-PBL-project.
Click here to download the tool.

MINI PROJECT

The mini-project supports the problem orientation phase of an entrepreneurship-PBL-project. The method aims to combine and apply theories, methods and techniques to solve a complex idea for entrepreneurship.
Click here to download the tool.

OBJECT THEATRE AND SANDBOXING

Object Theater & Sandboxing relates to all phases of an entrepreneurship-PBL-project, though with the largest contribution to the exploration of assumptions, experiments and value creation. The tool can among other things act as a communication tool between a project group and its partners, including the supervisor.
Click here to download the tool.

PROFESSIONAL WONDERMENT AND THE WONDERMENT WORKSHOP

Professional wonderment and the wonderment workshop can function as supportive process tools for students in relation to the development of problem understanding, learning, education and entrepreneurial competencies. The methods can support the participants' commitment and immersion in the group, the group's overall work process and its ongoing reflections.
Click here to download the tool.

TEAMKEY

Teamkey is connected to the group's overall process and puts focus on the individual's personal preconditions and how they influence the choices of both the group and each group member in the project process. Through collaboration with the outside world, the tool contributes to increased self-insight, learning about one’s own and others’ competencies, and entrepreneurial mindset.
Click here to download the tool.

Download tool book

In collaboration with 9 researchers from a wide range of academic backgrounds at AAU, we have developed a tool booklet. This booklet is aimed towards teachers who want to work on developing students’ entrepreneurial competences through regular daily teaching sessions.

Click here to download the tool book in English.

Klik her for at downloade værktøjshæftet på dansk.