“Entrepreneurialship: a mindset at work”

Por: Colégios Marista - São Luis

22/11/2021 - 14:11 - Atualizada em: 22/11/2021 - 14:58

Teaching English is much more than just using the language itself. It is, first and foremost, making the learner realize how their brain can make new and different connections when you think in another language. Therefore, the modern English teacher uses a range of different tools to allow the learner to use the language in a meaningful way.

Entrepreneurship, for instance, is an excellent way to develop student’s mindset whilst learning a new language. We have to remember that being entrepreneurial isn’t just about starting companies. It is about having a vision and making it a reality. It is a way of thinking that can be learned and practiced.

Teenagers are very creative, and creativity is one of the most important skills an entrepreneur can have. It is through creativity that new ideas come forward, and that is how the world develops at light speed. So, why not use it? It is mind-blowing to see how much teenage students are able to create when they are given the right tools and environment to do so.

A good example of how these skills are developed in class is a project called “Fish Tank”. It is a project based on the American TV show “Shark Tank”, in which entrepreneurs seek investment for their businesses and products. Just like the original program, “Fish Tank” aims to develop student’s abilities regarding entrepreneurship, but also teamwork, idea generation, opportunity analysis, design thinking and public speaking.

Even though projects like this one are undertaken in all segments of the school, “Fish Tank” is an exclusive project to Marista Idiomas students. The upper levels get to experience real life situations that go from the concept of a new idea to pitching it in front of new investors. This way, they develop their soft skills learning how to work in groups and accepting each other’s opinions. They also learn how to deal with failure, given that every businessperson goes through it every once in a while.

In short, entrepreneurship should be used in class as a way of developing student’s skills in a meaningful way. That is how we can be sure our future entrepreneurs will be prepared for real life having experienced it in school. Regardless of what skills you have in you, once you have the chance to develop it, the world is your own personal oyster.

Mikael Avner da Costa é formado em Licenciatura em Letras – Português e Inglês pela Universidade do Planalto Catarinense (Uniplac) e professor no Colégio Marista São Luís