SPIN-OFF FLOURISHING: A NEW WAY FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROCESSES

Abstract

This study analyzes the emergence of an experiential learning program focused on final undergraduate projects in Engineering and Applied Sciences. The analyzed program is oriented to provide active learning experiences in which students were responsible for directing their final project towards transforming them into nascent technology-based companies. This exploratory and qualitative case study focused on the students' analysis of (i) the perception about the learning processes, (ii) the motivation to continue with the business, (iii) the engagement with knowledge involved in the final project (iv) the relationship with the technology-based entrepreneurship subject. Seeking to present new frontiers in experiential learning, the findings of the present paper show the positive impact of experiential learning on students’ motivations and results when it comes to creating a technology-based venture, reinforcing the premises of Kolb and others. This study contributes by providing a detailed description of an entrepreneurship education program in Brazil, and also by offering more arguments towards the use of experience-based learning in undergraduate studies.

Keywords

• empreendedorismo
• startups universitárias
• aprendizagem experiencial
• startups
• ensino de graduação