engleski

Integration of the entrepreneurial competence in the Croatian national curriculum for compulsory education

Integration of the entrepreneurial competence in the Croatian national curriculum for compulsory education Challenges raised by the development of knowledge based society have brought to the fore the question of development of key competences necessary for work and life in the new societal context and adequate curricular changes. (Rychen and Salganic, 2003 ; Letschert, 2004). In the efforts of the European Union to strengthen the contribution of education to its economic growth and social cohesion, a European framework of eight areas of key competences was developed. (European Commission, Working Group B for Key Competences, 2004) One of them is entrepreneurial competence. The presentation is focused on analysing the inclusion of entrepreneurial competence in Croatian elementary education. The analysis is based on empirical research findings, conducted in 2006 on a sample of 688 class and subject teachers in 25 elementary schools located in different regions of Croatia. The questionnaire results show that entrepreneurship education in Croatia needs to be more clearly conceptualised and taught in schools in a systematic way. Within this context limited theoretical grounds and research measurements should be addressed. The obstacles perceived by the teachers as those which could significantly limit the implementation of entrepreneurial education emphasize both a problem with a lack of teaching resources and materials as well as unsatisfactory professional development and financial status of teachers. It is encouraging that according to the teachers' estimates school climate in their schools (measured through principals' and collegial support and openness of school to change) provides a relatively solid base for fostering the entrepreneurial education in elementary education.

teacher competences; entrepreneurial competence; compulsory education; curriculum

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