What it is: The EntreComp framework is a reference de facto for any initiative aiming to foster entrepreneurial capacity. It consists of three interrelated and interconnected competence areas, each of which is made up of five competences. Together, they constitute the building blocks of entrepreneurship as a competence. The framework can be used as a basis for the development of curricula and learning activities and is useful for the definition of parameters to assess learners’ and citizens’ entrepreneurial competences.
How it works: The EntreComp framework can be used to both plan lessons based upon the competencies and to facilitate learner and/or teacher led assessment of attainment. The progression in entrepreneurial learning is made up of two aspects:
- Developing increasing autonomy and responsibility in acting upon ideas and opportunities to create value
- Developing the capacity to generate value from simple and predictable contexts up to complex, constantly changing environments.
Benefits: The framework provides simple to follow progression levels, which can be readily mapped against a learner’s attainment. There are ready-to-use learning outcomes that can be used to develop and evaluate lessons. The EntreComp Framework is readily available and free to download which makes it accessible to all. It is easy to share with pupils in a language which they can understand. It can also be used to show the progress of pupils who struggle in more formal subjects such as English and Maths.
Challenges: The main challenge of using EntreComp is that it is currently not a statutory requirement to assess enterprise skills in many national curricula and therefore interaction with it may be limited. If enterprise is not a main priority in a curriculum and its assessment, application of the framework could feel like a pointless exercise because it does not count towards any end of key stage level.
Relevance for entrepreneurial teaching: EntreComp is a result of a multi stakeholder approach to linking entrepreneurship in schools and work. It is designed to be a reference point for anyone taking part in entrepreneurial education.
Applied assessment methods: The full range of assessment vehicles, formative and summative, can be used. Progression can be seen through ‘distance travelled’ between learning outcomes.
Examples from practice: The EntreComp framework facilitates learning, teaching and assessment across all levels. For example, in Wales it is being used to train primary school teachers at one end of the spectrum, and as learning outcomes in Doctoral Level studies at the other.