Developing Entrepreneurial Skills In Environmental Health At The Central University Of Technology, Free State Through A Novel Challenge-Oriented Pedagogic Approach

25 years since the inception of democracy South Africa is fighting unemployment, poor economic growth, political instability and educational instability. Since the formation of the Government of National Unity in 1994, the South African economy has been unpredictable and unsound. It shrunk by 2.2% in the first few months of 2018, whilst unemployment reached an all-time high percentage above 27%. Higher Education in South Africa, especially universities of technology, face diverse challenges coupled with a reduced chance of employment amongst graduates due to inadequate or lack of the necessary workplace (cognitive; soft) and entrepreneurial skills. The industry demands a more innovative education and training system to ensure a competitive and trend-setting workforce. Due to the increase in economic and social risk, a relevant higher education qualification becomes necessary. This education system should specifically address developing employable graduates, the growing unemployment rate, and the decline in the economy. To initiate possible alternative ways in which teaching, and learning is conducted at higher education institutions, research was conducted amongst academics at Uppsala University, Sweden, University of Mauritius, Mauritius and Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa. The main aim of the study was to utilise problem-based learning (PBL) and knowledge-based learning (KBL) as teaching methodologies to create a novel teaching and learning methodology referred to as challenge-oriented learning (COL). COL was proposed as methodology for a new blended syllabus for the training of entrepreneurs in a second-year model in Environmental Health. The study is based on an interpretive paradigm with an exploratory nature. A desktop study and document analysis provided a foundation and working framework for the study. The research utilised a mixed methods methodology involving interviews and questionnaires for descriptive and empirical findings. The study revealed that the rigorous ...