University of Lagos Pre-service STM Teachers: Would They Function More as Entrepreneurs or as Intrapreneurs?

Abstract

The study investigated whether pre-service STM teachers would function more as entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs using determinants such as personal characteristics, interpersonal skills, critical and creativity thinking skills, business skills as well as their choice of course. Three research questions were raised and answered using a mix method design. A questionnaire entitled Entrepreneurship Ability Scale Questionnaire was the self-validated instrument used to collect data. A random sample of 220 students comprising 114 males and 106 females was used. Data collected was analysed using logistic regression, multivariate analysis of variance as well as qualitative narrative analysis. Results showed that University of Lagos pre-service STM teachers are more likely to act as entrepreneurs rather than intrapreneurs. Personal characteristics, interpersonal skills, critical and creativity thinking skills as well as business skills were effective in reliably predicting their entrepreneurship abilities. Course of choice was not effective in reliably predicting entrepreneurship abilities of the teachers. Entrepreneurship abilities of pre-service teachers are not a function of their gender. Business skills top the list of skills acquired by the STM pre-service teachers as a result of their exposure to the course GST307: Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance. Practical activities including field trips were the suggestion of many participants as a way of enhancing the teaching and learning of Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance. It is recommended that practical activities including field trips be incorporated into GST307. A tracer study monitoring whether pre-service STM teachers are into intrapreneurship or entrepreneurship in the next five years is suggested.