Business Studies · Grade 10

Active learning ideas

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

Entrepreneurship is a driving force in the Canadian economy, responsible for innovation and job creation. This topic explores the 'entrepreneurial mindset', the combination of traits like resilience, creativity, and risk-tolerance that allows individuals to turn ideas into ventures. Students look at the diverse faces of Canadian entrepreneurship, including young innovators, immigrants, and Indigenous entrepreneurs who are revitalizing their communities.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• BBI2O - Entrepreneurship: Describe characteristics and skills associated with successful entrepreneurs.
• BBI2O - Entrepreneurship: Analyze the contributions of entrepreneurs to the economy.

• 20–35 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Entrepreneurial Self-Audit

Students are given a list of common entrepreneurial traits (e.g., risk-taking, persistence). They rank themselves on each, share their strongest trait with a partner, and discuss a time they demonstrated that trait in school or sports.

What characteristics do successful entrepreneurs share?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Gallery Walk
• 30 min · Whole Class

Gallery Walk: Canadian Entrepreneur Profiles

The teacher posts profiles of diverse Canadian entrepreneurs around the room. Students circulate with a graphic organizer to identify the 'need' each entrepreneur filled and the biggest obstacle they overcame.

How do entrepreneurs contribute to the Canadian economy?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Formal Debate
• 35 min · Small Groups

Formal Debate: Born or Made?

Students debate the question: 'Are entrepreneurs born with specific traits, or can anyone learn to be an entrepreneur?' They must use examples from their research to support their arguments.

What are the risks and rewards of starting a business?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Decision-Making

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Entrepreneurs are just people who want to get rich quick.

  Many students associate entrepreneurship only with high-wealth celebrities. Highlighting social entrepreneurs and local 'mom and pop' shops helps them see that many are driven by passion, community service, or a desire for independence.

• You need a lot of money to start a business.

  Students often think capital is the only barrier. Discussing 'bootstrapping' and service-based businesses that require little upfront cost helps them realize that a good idea and hard work are often more important than initial funding.

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Methods used in this brief

• Think-Pair-Share
• Gallery Walk
• Formal Debate