Enhancing entrepreneurial competencies through experiential and reflective learning: a comparative study of the BETA module at Singapore polytechnic

This study examines the impact of the Business Essentials through Action (BETA) module, an innovative educational program implemented at Singapore Polytechnic, on the development of entrepreneurial competencies, compared with traditional educational methods. The BETA module integrates Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle and Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle into its curriculum, emphasising hands-on experiences and reflective practices. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 260 students, with 141 participating in the BETA module and 119 in a traditional curriculum, assessing changes in entrepreneurial competencies such as opportunity seeking, risk taking, efficiency, persistence, and self-confidence. Quantitative findings revealed significant improvements in eight key entrepreneurial competencies among BETA participants, as opposed to only two in the traditional group. Qualitative insights further highlighted the effectiveness of the BETA module in enhancing students’ risk-taking abilities, confidence, and problem-solving skills through real-world applications and rigorous reflection. Correlation analyses within groups underscored distinct impacts of experiential approaches on competency interrelationships, as opposed to traditional ones. The results suggest that integrating experiential and reflective learning significantly enhances the breadth and depth of entrepreneurial competencies. This study contributes to the discourse on educational strategies by providing empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of innovative teaching methods in entrepreneurship education. Future research should explore the longitudinal impact of such educational models and expand to more diverse educational settings to confirm these findings.