Lesson Plan

• Describe the four main stages of the business cycle and identify their key economic indicators.
• Explain typical business responses to each stage of the cycle.
• Analyse how the business cycle influences managerial, investment and government decisions.
• Apply the simple GDP change formula to illustrate growth versus contraction.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handout of the stage‑indicator table
• Worksheet with a short case‑study activity
• Calculator (optional)
• Sticky notes for exit tickets

Begin with a quick news headline about recent economic slowdown to spark interest. Ask learners what they already know about “boom” and “recession” and link this to prior lessons on GDP. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify each stage, its indicators, and how businesses should react.

1. Do‑Now (5’): Students match three economic indicators to the correct stage on a mini‑quiz displayed via projector.
2. Direct Instruction (10’): Present the four stages using the diagram and table; highlight key indicators and typical business responses.
3. Guided Practice (12’): In pairs, learners analyse a short case study and decide which stage it represents, justifying their choice with data from the handout.
4. Concept Check (5’): Quick whole‑class poll (show of hands) on statements about each stage to confirm understanding.
5. Application Activity (10’): Students use the GDP change formula to calculate growth rate for a given set of figures and interpret the result.
6. Summary Discussion (5’): Review how managers can plan production, staffing and investment across the cycle.

Recap the four stages, their indicators and business strategies in a rapid “one‑minute” review. Ask each student to write on a sticky note one action a manager should take in the current stage and place it on the board as an exit ticket. For homework, learners research a recent news article and determine which stage of the business cycle the economy appears to be in.