The Role of Inquiry-Based Learning in Entrepreneurship Education

Abstract

This paper introduces a course design that used history and inquiry-based learning to develop science students' understanding of invention, innovation and commercialization processes. First, it explains inquiry-based learning and then introduces a sample course design, explaining the rationale, structure and process. Following on from this introduction, a student case study on the development of Taxol is used to show how inquiry-based learning can enhance science students' understanding of entrepreneurial processes. The case study provides an illustration of the forms of knowledge gained through the use of inquiry-based learning. The paper concludes by highlighting the benefits and challenges of this type of course for the students and pointing out how such a course can provide a different approach for entrepreneurship education targeted at science and engineering students.