Lesson Plan

• Describe what economic growth is and how to calculate its growth rate using real GDP.
• Identify at least five advantages and five disadvantages of economic growth.
• Analyse how these advantages and disadvantages affect macro‑economic objectives such as employment, inflation, balance of payments and environmental quality.
• Evaluate policy measures that can enhance the benefits and mitigate the costs of growth.
• Compare the impacts of economic growth in developing versus developed economies.

• Projector and laptop for slides
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handout with diagram of growth vs macro‑economic objectives
• Worksheet with GDP data and case‑study excerpts
• Calculators
• Sticky notes for gallery walk

Start with a quick poll: “What changes have you noticed in your community as the economy grows?” Connect this to the previous lesson on real GDP. Explain that today students will explore both the positive and negative consequences of economic growth and will be able to evaluate their impact on key macro‑economic goals.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students write a definition of economic growth and calculate a simple growth rate from provided GDP figures.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Review the real GDP formula and introduce a concise list of advantages and disadvantages using projected slides.
3. Group activity (15'): Small groups analyse a case study of a developing country, each group preparing explanations for two advantages and two disadvantages.
4. Gallery walk (10'): Groups post their notes; classmates add examples or counter‑points on sticky notes.
5. Whole‑class discussion (10'): Evaluate how the identified points influence employment, inflation, balance of payments, and the environment; discuss relevant policy responses.
6. Answer‑question practice (5'): Students outline a 10‑paragraph exam answer following the suggested structure.
7. Exit ticket (5'): Write one advantage and one disadvantage and state which they consider more critical for sustainable growth.

Recap that economic growth can raise living standards but also brings environmental and inequality challenges. Collect the exit tickets and remind students of the homework: write a short paragraph evaluating whether rapid growth is desirable for a small island nation, citing at least two advantages and two disadvantages.