Forum
Q&A
Mladen/SRB: What's new in your project compared to EntreComp?
EntreComp is a framework with desirable entrepreneurial features, but it means nothing if you do not apply the appropriate tools that have been proven in the practice of successful global companies. Instead of learning to remember, the participants of our project learn how to think entrepreneurially.
Nikola/SRB: Can the project be applied in an abbreviated form, to be reduced to a year and what to take over as the most important parts?
Yes. The most important parts are: teacher preparation in the form of LTT training and 21 workshops according to the manual “Training Material”.
Toše/MKD: Is there a possibility for our school to be involved in project activities?
Unfortunately, the project is already close to completion and there is no possibility for a new partner to be included as part of the consortium, given the fixed budget and the dynamics of activities. If you are interested in participating in future projects, please send us information about the school and previous experience in EU projects.
Aleksandra/MNE: What is the possibility of applying the methodology from the project in the practice of secondary schools as mandatory?
The proposal of the Curriculum “Innovative Entrepreneurship” will be submitted to the competent ministries of education in the countries participating in the project, for consideration and addoption, we believe that the proposal will be incorporated into the official curriculum for secondary vocational schools at least in some parts (and perhaps in its entirety).
Natalija/HR: For what reason does the project apply only to secondary vocational schools, and no gymnasium is included?
The focus is determined by the Erasmus+ call rules, on capacity building of VET schools, general schools are excluded for unknown reasons. There is a possibility to initiate the introduction of the subject of Entrepreneurship in gymnasiums at the competent Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, given that entrepreneurial competencies are needed by everyone, as stated in the EntreComp reference framework.
Emir/BiH: Can only schools from Sarajevo apply to participate in your project or other schools as well?
Participation in projects is not limited to Sarajevo, the selection of partners is made on the basis of several criteria, primarily based on the school’s profile, human resources, experience and results in previous projects and the project holder’s belief in commitment to achieving project results as a guarantee that the project will be successfully implemented in harmony, mutual respect, meeting deadlines, overcoming challenges, joint responsibility and fulfillment of expected results.
Predrag/SRB: The idea of applying the PBL method seems interesting, but it is not envisaged in education programs and I think it is not feasible in schools at the moment.
It is true that teaching takes place mainly according to the classical system, ex-cathedra, where students are mainly directed to memorize facts and then, through tests, to show what they have learned in order to get a passing grade. Unfortunately, learned facts lose their relevance over time in the face of changed circumstances, and new information can always be found on the Internet. Each teacher, according to their abilities and wishes, could set aside 10 minutes from the lesson, and give their students a chance to work in a group on critical thinking, looking for an answer to the question: WHY is this so – instead of simply remembering WHAT it is.
Jelena/HR: Is it possible to attend a creative workshop to see how it is done in practice?
By all means, contact us to arrange when we could attend and feel free to come to class.
Suzanne/SRB: It seems quite interesting what you are doing, will it have an effect in practice?
The effects of training are not limited to short-term goals. Students learn how to think entrepreneurially, and when and how to use the acquired skills depends on the situation. The largest number of students will try to find employment in existing companies or civil service, as the safest sources of income. At some point, for various reasons, either by force of circumstances (low salaries, the company fails, bad interpersonal relationships, etc.) or by their own will, they will take the initiative of starting their own company. Then the acquired skills will be necessary – from the initial step of recognizing opportunities in the market, generating and evaluating ideas, finding the necessary resources – material, technical and personal, to developing a sustainable business plan and adapting to market opportunities, competition, or the overall legal and economic environment. The main skills will be adaptability and quick response to changes.
Vukašin/MNE: We are interested in participating in the project, how can we apply?
This is not possible in this cycle, because the consortium has already been formed and the budget funds have been distributed. I suggest that you apply through the Erasmus Plus portal as an interested school looking for a partner to participate in future projects.
Admir/BiH: Will the participants of the project from Sarajevo eventually receive an invitation to travel to Novi Sad, Osijek or Budva?
The Open Future project does not fall into the category of Mobility Projects (K1), but into the category of capacity building of secondary vocational schools. Primary training is focused on teachers, who transfer their acquired knowledge, experience and skills to students. Unfortunately, the students will not visit the cities where the project is held, but the idea was launched to organize a student exchange, so that the participants visit each other with accommodation in the families of the host students.
Ljupče/MKD: Will the materials of the project be translated into Macedonian?
No, all materials are translated into English and as such can be freely downloaded and, according to interest, translated into the local language. Since the materials are in PDF format, you can use Google Translate (or another online translator) and you will have all the materials in your own language.
Srđan/MNE: How do you encourage teachers to implement workshops in supplementary classes (as an extracurricular activity), if they cannot be paid for this work?
Unfortunately, there are usually no budgetary funds for the extraordinary engagement of teachers in supplementary classes, but the solution can be within the classes of the class teacher, without the need for additional payment or organization of classes outside the adopted schedule. If the teacher has a desire to practically carry out creative workshops and the necessary interest of the student, with the consent of the principal, this is quite feasible.
Slavica/SRB: I don't see that any school from Serbia is involved in the project, is there a reason?
The Capacity Building Programme under the Erasmus Plus programme is aimed at VET schools from the Western Balkan countries that are not in the EU and are not partners in the Erasmus+ funding programme. These include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. The school from Croatia is in the role of a partner with knowledge and experience that it transfers to the schools from the focus group.
Dunja/SRB: Can you organize testing of students according to the manual "Tool for assessing the current state of entrepreneurial competencies" in our school in Subotica?
You can also carry out the testing yourself. It is recommended to transfer the manual from a PDF file to a Google document and then, in the computer science cabinet, students can fill out the questionnaire electronically, without the cost of printing material. As a rule, the test results should remain confidential, so that each student knows the current knowledge, and the school can assess whether and in which segments additional training is needed.
Adriatike/ALB: Ne jemi një shkollë e mesme ekonomike nga Shqipëria dhe deri më tani nuk kemi marrë pjesë në projekte Erasmus. Kë duhet të kontaktojmë për të marrë pjesë në projekt?
Translation: We are an economics high school from Albania and have not participated in Erasmus projects so far. Who do we need to contact in order to participate in the project?
I suggest that you first create an account on the European Commission platform and then go to the field Opportunities for Erasmus+, register your organization and look for potential partners for joint participation in current calls for projects.
Danilo/MNE: Do the teachers who participate in the work on the project receive a diploma that can enable them to progress in their work?
Certainly. First of all, after the LTT training, all teachers receive the Europass Mobility Certificate, as proof of the acquired skills. Secondly, each teacher receives a certificate of participation in project activities in an international project, which is the basis for promotion.
Marina/HR: Is it necessary to provide some props for working with students or to get literature to prepare for work?
No special props are needed, except for paper and pen to write down answers, ideas or solutions, and literature is not necessary (unless someone wants additional information), it is based on a manual that is based on professional literature and in a simple way explains the concepts and examples that need to be mastered in practical work (without the need to memorize by heart).
The Round Table is the right place for you: here you can ask questions, seek advice and answers to potential dilemmas, exchange opinions on the materials presented on our website, give your suggestions or offer to exchange examples of good practice. Also, in addition to the project materials published in the form of practical manuals, here you can find literature with links, based on which all interested parties can expand their knowledge in the field of entrepreneurial competences. If you have interesting and proven materials (audio-visual files, PowerPoint presentations, case studies, etc.) within the framework of entrepreneurial competences, you can present them on this page (in the form of a link leading to the original published materials) as your contribution to the exchange of good practices. Send your inquiries, suggestions or links to: [email protected]
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