Characteristics of effective entrepreneurship education post-COVID-19 in New Zealand primary and secondary schools: a Delphi study

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the perceptions of experts regarding the characteristics of effective entrepreneurship education in New Zealand primary and secondary schools. The aim of the study was to inform future policies, curriculum review and decision-making regarding entrepreneurial projects that were effective in the mainstream compulsory schooling sector. Using snowball sampling, 28 local entrepreneurship experts were recruited to participate in a Delphi Study. Through successive rounds, these participants established consensus on current and relevant characteristics of an effective entrepreneurship education primary and secondary school. The collective consensus determined seven characteristics for effective entrepreneurship education, centred around student learning approaches. Findings support curriculum planning focussed on creating authentic, action orientated projects or problem solving, strategies to foster entrepreneurship knowledge, skills and capabilities, seeking mentors or role models from the community, and the incorporation of financial literacy and business activities. These findings provide a basis for the successful development of New Zealand’s curricula for entrepreneurship education and enhanced entrepreneurship projects.