Approach

The business world is present daily in the media, is part of the lives of millions of people, and impacts every home. Knowledge about business is an essential step in understanding how the economy as a whole works, given the interrelationship between the company and the environment in which it operates.

The purpose of the business classroom is for students to study and analyze business, in this case, commerce, as a generator of value and as an entity that contributes to the growth and development of a country, region, or city’s economy. All this with an up-to-date approach and, above all, one adapted to reality, considering that value generation is a key factor in its activity and, in many cases, determines its survival.

The learning situation aimed at 6th grade primary school students pursues two objectives: to introduce students to the knowledge of business (commerce) as a catalyst for economic development, highlighting value generation as a fundamental aspect of business activity and integrating the values ​​inherent to corporate social responsibility; and to contribute value to society that fosters creativity and a spirit of innovation, critical reflection, and informed decision-making to design a sustainable business model that contributes to social and economic development.

To immerse students in the business world, we pose a problem that frequently arises in our immediate surroundings: in my neighborhood or town, the last local store (Mateo’s grocery store) that sold groceries (bread, fruit, and vegetables) and supplies has just closed. The owner, Antonio, has retired. This event has sparked a class debate about commerce, its types, and models in towns and neighborhoods. After a brief debate, the possibility of creating a store that could provide this service to the community without imposing a financial burden on the owners is explored. To this end, a small market study is proposed to determine the type of business to be established and determine its potential viability. This study will propose the most appropriate type of business for the area and assess its impact and added value.

Students, organized into collaborative teams, must explore the process of creating a business, investigating its viability in their current environment, estimating the necessary material and human resources, and assessing its potential and the impact it will have on the surrounding area. To this end, they will prepare two reports: one on the market and one on the feasibility. Finally, a practical experience can be completed at the school itself, starting a small business that can generate profits that can be donated to an NGO.