The role of Business Studies teachers in promoting entrepreneurship in rural schools in Limpopo Province

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the leadership role of Business Studies teachers in promoting entrepreneurship in rural schools in Limpopo Province. The study used a qualitative Case Study methodological approach to generate data. Ten (10) teachers from different schools, gender, age and experience were interviewed telephonically using a semi-structured interview. The interviews were on the role of Business Studies teachers in promoting entrepreneurship in rural secondary schools. All the teachers that were interviewed had been teaching Business Studies for more than three years at rural secondary schools of Limpopo Province, Capricorn North District, Bochum cluster. The research revealed that teachers are familiar with the concept of ‘entrepreneurship’ and they describe it as an attempt to provide learners with knowledge, skills and motivation to encourage learners to start businesses in a variety of settings. The findings of this study show that, although Business Studies is one of the taught subjects in rural schools, it remains theoretical as the subject lacks the development of practical skills. Furthermore, Business Studies teachers seem to be unclear about their roles within the classroom when teaching entrepreneurship. The interviewed teachers in this study suggested that entrepreneurship can be taught effectively and productively if the challenges, such as the lack of entrepreneurship training; limited mentorship; absence of sponsorship; lack of support from colleagues and the school community; lack of resources such as extra textbooks, Study Guides; and the lack of necessary equipment for entrepreneurial activities are addressed. The findings imply that, to be able to promote the teaching of Business Studies, there is a need for creating and sustaining an entrepreneurship culture, which includes the involvement of all stakeholders to encourage and motivate learners interested in Business Studies in rural secondary schools.