Theme(s): Cooperation with third parties in the accreditation of learning demonstrated in some other manner
Background
The Entrepreneurial Assignment study module is implemented at the University of Oulu (Oulu Business School). It is based on the desire to recognise and accredit entrepreneurship experience in a broader sense than merely as starting one’s own business. In addition, objective is to systematise the activities by offering modules that enable turning acquired competence into ECTS credits.
Implementation method
The Entrepreneurial Assignment is a study module that consists of two parts: practical work (including entrepreneurial events and training) and a theoretical part written independently. The practical part enables different methods of recognising entrepreneurship competence acquired in advance and accrediting entrepreneurial competence demonstrated in some other manner. The study module has been mainly applied to the accreditation of practical entrepreneurship activities, but it is also suitable for the recognition of (prior) learning.
The content of the study module is not fixed but it varies according to the individual event. Entrepreneurial training and events to be included in the practical section are discussed and determined in a forum meeting that takes place place approximately every 3 months. Representatives from various organisations participate in the forum, such as the entrepreneurship minor at the University of Oulu, the Tellus Innovation Arena, as well as the Avanto Entrepreneurship Programme for students at the University of Oulu and Oulu University of Applied Sciences.
Representatives of the study module are also in regular contact with a representative of the student-led startup community Oulu Entrepreneurship Society (OuluES). OuluES contacts them at least every six months to provide an overview of the upcoming activities and trainings and to agree on what kind of additional written tasks are required from the students in addition to particing to the OuluES activities in order to ensure that the 5 ECRS credits are met.
In addition, parties discuss about how to market the OuluES activities to students. Otherwise, cooperation with potential third parties takes place by having a dialogue on the suitability of the content as part of the course; the content must be of a higher educational level. Integration of activities organised by a third party to the course is agreed on a case-by-case basis.
Process of accrediting learning demonstrated in some other manner
It is possible to include a variety of different kinds of activities and events as part of the study module. This includes, for example, entrepreneurial activities such as voluntary work or participation in events such as hackathons. Students have also a possibility to earn ECTS credit for participation in OuluES activities, such as from Human Accelerator programme and Startup Weekend.
The acquired competences are demonstrated by written assignments, such as reflective essays or learning diaries. Students are offered a material package that they are to use for reflection in their learning written assignments.
Assessment
The assessment considers how well the students have been able to apply theory into practice, how well they have internalised the link between these two, and how well they understand the different forms of entrepreneurship.
Further information
- Entrepreneurial Assignment course: https://www.oulu.fi/kauppakorkeakoulu/node/46255
