Trevor McFadyen’s research explores how post-secondary students develop lasting motivation, confidence, and professional identity through hands-on, real-world learning. His work examines how structured, step-by-step learning pathways can help students stay engaged over time, build capability, and begin to see themselves as emerging professionals and changemakers.

Working with Enactus student teams across Canada, the empirical research project embeds short, self-paced practical learning modules directly into real social-enterprise initiative. These modules align with key stages of project work, from early idea development to testing and implementation, so that learning happens alongside action. The approach focuses on strengthening students’ sense of competence, persistence, and ownership as they navigate authentic challenges and deliver community impact.

The broader goal of the research is to understand how self-paced micro-learning modules can enhance the speed and efficacy of entrepreneurship and innovation through merging technology with community problem-solving and workforce readiness. By studying how students progress from initial participation to sustained engagement and identity formation, the project aims to offer various industries a simple, low-barrier ways to support deeper learning and retention. Ultimately, the work seeks to help more Enactus students graduate not only with knowledge, but with confidence, purpose, and a track record of meaningful contribution.