Why Students Struggle with Problem-Solving: Build Entrepreneurial Mindsets Without the Chaos

What if your students used what they're learning to tackle meaningful challenges- right in your classroom? 

If you've ever watched our students struggle with real-world problem-solving, you're not alone. Many are used to following directions—not thinking like innovators. But what if, through a simple shift in learning design, we could help them approach our subject like entrepreneurs, creators, and problem-solvers instead?

In this episode, we sit down with Jobert Ingwenya, an experiential, entrepreneurial educator who helps us move from lesson-givers to learning guides, using entrepreneurial thinking to make learning more relevant and hands-on. He shares how we can support students in taking ownership of their learning by developing real products and solutions—no business background required.

• How to turn our curriculum into a launchpad for real problem-solving
• Why stepping back as "lesson givers" leads to more engaged, independent learners
• The surprising skills students develop when they take the lead on developing real products and solutions
• Simple ways to start—without extra prep, funding, or special resources

Ready to help our students think more critically, collaborate more effectively, and connect learning to the real world? Let’s explore how to make that shift happen—together.

Connect with Jobert: LinkedIn (@Jobert Ngwenya), X (@JobertNgwenya), Instagram (@joubert_ngwenya), Facebook (@Jobert Ngwenya)

Take the 12 Shifts Scorecard: www.transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard 

Joberts' Bio: Jobert Ngwenya is an educator and learning designer with a passion for fostering entrepreneurial thinking in education and empowering young minds. His career includes teaching, learning design and grant writing grant. Jobert's commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as he actively volunteers for organisations like Slum2School and the Centre for Talent Development.

Jobert holds a Master's degree in Education specialising in Learning Education and Technology, a Master's in Development Studies, a Bachelor’s of Arts in Economic History, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education. He is also a recipient of numerous awards, grants, and fellowships, including the Global Teacher Grant, the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Fellowship, and the Ciena Solutions Challenge Sustainability Awards. Notably, Jobert was honoured as an Integrity Icon by Accountability Lab Zimbabwe for his outstanding work in fusing entrepreneurship with education.

Currently residing in Finland, Jobert is pursuing doctoral studies in education technology. He has co-authored textbooks on economic history and actively participates in conferences and workshops on entrepreneurship education. Jobert's dedication to youth development is evident in his work with organisations such as Junior Achievement Zimbabwe and the Teach a Man to Fish charity. He is also the founder of Fundi Trust, a non-profit organisation that provides financial literacy skills and scholarships to disadvantaged learners and a Trustee and Director of Learning at Centre for Talent Development.