Business teachers of tomorrow can get valuable insights into professional practice simply by visiting the nearest High Street.
And a recent field trip enjoyed by Business Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students from Liverpool Hope University proved just that.
The excursion to the nearby city of Chester was organised by Kathryn Austin, a Professional Tutor in Teacher Education and the Secondary PGCE Business Lead at Hope.
She argues that the High Street can be a ‘valuable learning resource’ for those hoping to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.
And Kathryn says her trainees gleaned crucial insights from enterprising locals during her visit, while also having the opportunity to survey the wreckage wrought by the global pandemic.
She explains: “We met some fascinating local entrepreneurs, one of which was Kingdom Thenga. He came to the UK from South Africa two decades ago, lived on the streets of London, and now owns four bars in Chester, including popular nightspot The Suburbs and American-themed sports bar Old Dukes.
“The trainees interviewed him about the challenges he's faced over the last 18 months, as a global pandemic ran rampant, as well as the sort of characteristics and personality attributes you need to become successful in business.
“Mr Thenga’s insights were invaluable and I’m sure our trainees enjoyed the opportunity to chat with him.”
One of those trainees is Jack Toner (pictured bottom left) who says he gained knowledge which he can use in his teaching practice.
He adds: “As a real world, live subject, I feel that learning outside the classroom is valuable to business studies students, as it allows them to meet real entrepreneurs and business owners who have excellent experience in their trade.”
Jack says he and his classmates relished the opportunity to probe Mr Thenga about how he managed his businesses during Covid-19, how he recruits and motivates his staff and which advertising strategy he finds the most effective, and how his business is coping with rising inflation and soaring fixed costs.
He reveals: “It was clear from talking to Mr Thenga that he was incredibly motivated and was not adverse to taking risks, having opened his latest bar Old Dukes during the pandemic.”
As Jack rightly points out, according to OFSTED, ‘external, interactive learning activities tie learning to personal experiences and memories, helping students develop a deeper understanding of topics which they are likely to remember more’.
This field trip clearly falls into the category.
During the visit students also interviewed management staff from Boodles jewellers, asking them to reflect on how the disappearance of department store Debenhams next door had impacted their sales revenue.
And the trainees had the chance to speak with a representative from HSBC bank, while they also took a stroll through Chester itself, noting which businesses had closed down, and which were thriving due to the footfall associated with one of the north of England’s most attractive cities when it comes to tourism.
Kathryn, meanwhile, adds: “A trip to the High Street gives learners access to a rich web of interconnected topics within Business; from the minimum wage to the importance of customer service, soaring inflation to rising interest rates and the impact of market research on a successful marketing mix.”
“The challenge for Business teachers is planning clear learning intentions in line with the specifications they teach. Success depends upon learners already having a sound prior knowledge and understanding of concepts before a visit. Armed with secure knowledge, learners can more confidently look at the High Street through their own business lens and that is what leads to a real vibrancy in our subject, which as business teachers we ultimately want to achieve.”
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