Engaging students in social innovation: insights from a Slovenian social entrepreneurship course

Alenka Slavec Gomezel, Blaž Zupan and Barbara Hvalič Erzetič

Chapter 20 in Handbook of Teaching and Learning in Social Innovation, 2026, pp 303-321 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter explores the impact of a social entrepreneurship course on students’ engagement in social innovation, which is based on experiential learning methods and delivered at a Slovenian higher education institution. The course integrates the theory and practice of social innovation and social entrepreneurship, including excursions, project work, and lectures by guest speakers sharing expertise and insights, to engage students and improve their understanding of social innovation. Applying a qualitative research framework, we analyzed written student reflections, which provided interesting insights into their perceptions and knowledge of social innovation. Results highlight the importance of course structure, teaching methods, teaching team energy and enthusiasm, and evidence of how the course fostered an understanding of social innovation. The findings suggest that experiential learning can effectively prepare students to address societal challenges and develop a commitment to social innovation that will play a role in their future careers.

Keywords: Social Innovation; Experiential Learning; Higher Education; Student Engagement; Reflective Learning; Course Design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035318292
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