ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS AMONG YOUNG LEARNER THROUGH PLAY STRATEGY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Purpose: Entrepreneurship is a creative skill, offers theoretical and practical information to support individuals’ economic growth in society. The research examines teachers’ expectations and awareness of developing entrepreneurship skills among young learners and defines the connection between play strategy and entrepreneurial skills in early childhood education (ECE). Methodology: The researcher employed a qualitative research approach. The population of the study comprised of ECE teachers. A purposive sampling technique was used, and twelve ECE teachers were interviewed from six different ECE Centers District East and Central, Karachi.  Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Findings showed that teachers have very limited knowledge or don’t have an understanding of entrepreneurship. According to them, this skill is related to business, and it can be done only through heavy investment. According to teachers’ opinions, it isn’t easy to teach students about entrepreneurship skills in early childhood education. However, they also stated that students are trained in preschools through multiple exercises. The play method is one of the many strategies that improve social behaviors; collaboration, exploration, projects, problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation. Students develop positive social habits through entrepreneurship skills (ES). The research reveals the essential relationship between play strategy and entrepreneurship skills. The study advises that schools equip potential entrepreneurs with early childhood education and play strategy that teachers be qualified to build Entrepreneurship skills among children.  Applications of the study: The findings of the study promote and activate the curriculum makers, textbook developers, and policymakers to develop entrepreneurship modules that help teachers to enhance their pedagogical skills to promote entrepreneurship skills among young learners through play strategies.     The Novelty of the Study: This study checked the concepts of entrepreneurship education through play strategies at the ECE level. Besides this, teachers’ perceptions and understandings about entrepreneurship skills at the ECE level were also explored.