Student approaches to learning and entrepreneurial intentions

Abstract

An increasing number of universities are incorporating compulsory entrepreneurship subjects into their degrees in an attempt to develop the entrepreneurial mindset of students. Previous studies have found that the main reasons for the entrepreneurial intention of students after having received training in entrepreneurship, are fear of failure, perceived self-efficacy, family entrepreneurial background and gender. This study examines the role of the student approach to learning (SAL) on their entrepreneurial intention. Based on the SAL theory, the study shows that a deep learning approach explains students' entrepreneurial intentions after having taken the course, and that fear of failure, perceived self-efficacy, family entrepreneurial background lack explanatory value. In light of the SAL theory, the results of the study point to the important role of teachers in designing methodologies that ensure that assessment and other contextual elements of the teaching and learning system are constructively aligned to promote a deep learning approach, and thus an entrepreneurial mindset.