Atkinson, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2179-1652 (2022) Growing crystals in the classroom: Reflections on applying critical theory—a negative dialectic approach to enterprise and entrepreneurship education. In: 16th International Enterprise Educators Conference, IEEC2022, 7th–9th September 2022, Swansea University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This research paper reflects on a critical theory approach to practice—a heterodox application of enterprise and entrepreneurship education used in a 2nd year undergraduate module in 2022, in a UK business school. The module title—“Business , Creativity and Opportunism for the Workplace of Today”—learning objectives, and assessment methods were specified. However, the module design and delivery were based on a heterodox critical theory of artistic practice and the author’s significant practical experience of enterprise and entrepreneurship. While meeting the specified objectives, the content was grounded in a non-normative ontology of Socially Negotiated Alternativism and influenced by a methodology of Applied Negative Dialectics. Here, the concept being taught (entrepreneurship) is re-presented as an emergent non-concept, through a learning focus on its (enterprising) conditions of emergence (vision, creativity and enterprising skills). Data from anonymous feedback, responses to seminar questionnaires, module outcomes and the (assessed) personal reflections of students, suggests the approach merits further, critically exacting reflection on its potential to impact future enterprise and entrepreneurship education. With a focus on students who are not predisposed to study entrepreneurship, the conclusions hold profound implications for how difficult-to-define career concepts might be approached in future 21st century higher education contexts.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Status:	Unpublished
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
School/Department:	York Business School
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/7098

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