Explanatory Variables for Perceived Utility of Experiential Learning Programme of Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Indian Council of Agricultural Research introduced a programme in 2006 named Experiential Learning Programme aimed at equipping undergraduates with entrepreneurial skills. Since its inception, explanatory factors of perceived utility have not been studied, hence this study is aimed at finding those factors. An explanatory study aimed at finding out among students and teachers which institutional and curriculum related factors have influenced the utility of the programme. The findings revealed that the students’ perceived administrative issues and teaching methods to have negatively influenced imparting of entrepreneurial skills while teachers also perceived teaching methods to have had a negative influence. Both students and teachers perceived administrative issues to have positively influenced development level of entrepreneurial competencies of students. Students perceived administrative issues, relevance of courses, teaching methods and extra-curricular activities to have positively influenced the stages of entrepreneurship education completed by students. The overall utility was perceived by students to have been positively influenced by administrative issues and teaching methods, while teachers perceived extra-curricular activities to have influenced it negatively. Administrative issues, teaching methods and extra-curricular activities used therefore can be attributed to the performance of the programme. There is therefore need to review administrative procedures to enhance entrepreneurial culture within institutions. Teachers’ competencies in handling experiential learning for entrepreneurship development need to be established so that the necessary corrective measures may be taken.