Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Business Studies
Lesson Topic: the concept of sampling and why it is useful to businesses
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe what sampling is and differentiate between probability and non‑probability methods.
  • Explain why sampling is cost‑effective, time‑saving and practical for business research.
  • Apply the key steps to design a sample survey and calculate an appropriate sample size.
  • Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of common sampling techniques for business decisions.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slides outlining sampling concepts
  • Sample questionnaire handouts
  • Calculator or spreadsheet software for sample‑size calculations
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed comparison table of sampling methods
 Introduction:
Imagine launching a new product without knowing what customers want. Students already understand basic market research and data collection, so we will build on that knowledge. By the end of the lesson you will be able to explain sampling, list its business benefits, and outline the steps to conduct a sample survey.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Think‑pair‑share on why surveying every customer is unrealistic.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Define sampling; contrast probability vs non‑probability methods with examples.
  3. Interactive activity (15') – In groups, choose a product, define the target population, determine a sample size using the formula, and calculate it.
  4. Sampling methods comparison (10') – Analyse a provided table of advantages/disadvantages; discuss suitability for different business decisions.
  5. Design a sample survey (15') – Draft questionnaire items and a sampling plan; teacher circulates to give feedback.
  6. Plenary (5') – Groups present their plans; teacher highlights the key steps and checks understanding.
Conclusion:
We recap the definition of sampling, its main benefits, and the seven‑step process for conducting a sample survey. For the exit ticket, each student writes one advantage of sampling and one situation where it would be inappropriate. Homework: read the textbook section on sampling and complete the worksheet that requires calculating a sample size for a given scenario.