INCREASING EFFICIENCY OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN SIMULATION COMPANIES THROUGH SUBJECT INTEGRATION

Abstract

Today curricula integration is becoming an increasingly important phenomenon in the process of education system change. Integrated education makes sense when subjects are integrated taking into account the multifaceted structure of the intellect and the integrity of subjects. In 2021, research commissioned by the Lithuanian Association of Imitation Companies was completed, the aim of which was to reveal the possibilities of efficiency increase of entrepreneurship education in imitation companies by applying subjects integration.

During the research, it was decided to interview IB managers and lecturers/ teachers working in those study programs where IBs are active. The aim was to interview 84 respondents and the answers were received from 81 respondent.

The research was carried out in 2019-2021. In 2019, a research questionnaire, research methodology, research calendar were prepared.

Given that, there was insufficient number of respondents, the survey has been extended through the period of  September-November, 2020. The results of the research were analyzed and a research report was prepared during January – March, 2021. The research method used is a questionnaire survey using a pre-prepared standardized questionnaire designed by the authors of the research. The questionnaire consisted of demographic questions and statements aimed at assessment the possibilities of subject integration in developing entrepreneurship competences in simulation companies.

Based on the analysis of literature review, the benefits of integrated education have been revealed, allowing to systematize information, linking it with practical activities, increasing learners' motivation, encouraging cooperation between learners and teachers. Integration includes comprehensive personality development and integrated teaching/ learning, which uses knowledge of different subjects in various aspects related to the learner's environment. According to the complexity of the connections of the integrated subjects, the levels of connection, correlation and integrated teaching and project integrated education are distinguished.

After analyzing the possibilities of subject integration into IB activities, it was found that the majority of respondents answered that possible integration of the taught subject into IB activities would be integrated at an integrated teaching level, when the chosen topic covers all or many disciplines. IB's activities cover a very wide range of theoretical knowledge application in practice, so subject integration at an integrated teaching level into common practical tasks would lead to clearer interdisciplinary links. Teachers, evaluating the advantages of subject integration in IB activities, emphasize that integrated lectures/ lessons diversify the educational process, they are more interesting, promote independent learning, increase students' learning motivation; integrated teaching promotes cooperation between teachers and students, develops communication and teamwork skills; integration deepens, expands, links knowledge and skills and fosters creativity; it also helps the student to master the complex curriculum as effectively as possible, deepens the acquisition of knowledge, develops systematic thinking and reveals the possibilities of practical applicability.

The analysis of ways to increase entrepreneurship education efficiency through the subject integration in IB activities revealed that collaboration between teachers should be encouraged during update of study programs, development of methodological materials and common practical tasks, employers and social partners should be involved in the process, real businesses should be visited or business representatives invited to lectures/ lessons and practical situations examined. It is proposed to create a shared virtual environment with other integrated study subjects, which would provide methodological material, integrated tasks, a system of cooperation and assessment tools, allowing flexible management of the integrated study process to improve the quality of learning focused on wider use of knowledge.