The depth of the enterprise culture within children aged 7–11

Only 20 % of the children targeted in the age group had a vague prior knowledge of the concept and then only in general terms e.g. a rich man, someone who helps others etc. The sex and age of the children did not appear to influence the result.

The impact of the story upon
the children

This was the most visible aspect of the research. Immediately upon being told that they were to engage in story telling activities the classes straightened their backs, settled down and paid full attention to the story. At the conclusion of the Ernie story the children sighed in unison and expressed their disapproval of the unfair treatment of Ernie. After the stories were read approximately 20 percent of the children were able to narrate that they had brothers, sisters, parents, or relatives who might be entrepreneurs. It is therefore likely that they had been influenced by familial fables.

Establish if they view the story  as “true” life and a credible  reflection of reality.

This was one of the most pleasing results of the research in that 85% of the pupils regarded the stories as being true to life. They related to the stories and considered the exploits of Ernie and Elise as
achievable.

Ascertain what effect the story  has upon them

The stories appeared to excite the pupils and inspire them.  It is not possible to establish the long term effects of the story.

Assess how they respond to the story e.g. do they see themselves as a future entrepreneur

This was inconclusive. It was probably unfair to have included it in the first place given the impressionable nature of children. Yet children who had relatives in business immediately understood their
significance.

Test if the story is an effective teaching aid in raising
entrepreneurial awareness

It appears to be an excellent teaching aid and he respondents appeared to understand what an entrepreneur was by he conclusion of the lesson.