The Role of Experiential Learning in Influencing the Development of Entrepreneurial Competence and Entrepreneurial Interest of State Senior High School in Tana Toraja Regency

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of experiential learning on entrepreneurial competence and entrepreneurial interest, as well as the effect of entrepreneurial competence on the entrepreneurial interest of tenth-grade students at State Senior High School in Tana Toraja Regency. Experiential learning is understood as a learning method based on experience, while entrepreneurial competence refers to an individual’s ability that includes creativity, risk-taking courage, innovative capability, managerial skills, independence, and responsibility. Entrepreneurial interest plays an important role in encouraging individuals to engage in entrepreneurial activities. This study employed a quantitative approach using a survey method involving 129 respondents selected through a total sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression with the assistance of SPSS. The results indicate that experiential learning has a positive and significant effect on students’ entrepreneurial competence and entrepreneurial interest. Furthermore, entrepreneurial competence also has a positive and significant effect on entrepreneurial interest. These findings indicate that experience-based learning plays an important role in enhancing students’ competence, which subsequently fosters the growth of entrepreneurial interest. The contribution of this study lies in strengthening empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of experiential learning in entrepreneurship education at the senior high school level, as well as providing practical recommendations for educators and schools in designing learning strategies that sustainably enhance students’ entrepreneurial competence and interest.