Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Definition of specialisation by country
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the concept of specialisation by country and its link to comparative advantage.
  • Explain why countries choose to specialise, including opportunity cost and economies of scale.
  • Analyse a simple two‑country example to identify comparative advantage and predict trade gains.
  • Interpret a Production Possibility Frontier diagram that illustrates gains from specialisation.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed handout with the Country A/B table
  • Worksheet for comparative‑advantage calculations
  • Markers and whiteboard
  • Calculator (optional)
  • PPF diagram template
Introduction:

Begin with a quick poll: “What product from another country do you use every day?” Use responses to highlight how nations rely on each other. Review the idea of opportunity cost from the previous lesson. State that by the end of class students will be able to define specialisation by country and show how it creates trade benefits.

Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list three imported goods they use and note the likely producing country.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define specialisation, comparative advantage, opportunity cost, and free trade with slide visuals.
  3. Guided example (12'): Work through the Country A/B textile‑electronics table, calculate opportunity costs, and identify comparative advantages together.
  4. Hands‑on activity (15'): In pairs, students complete a worksheet that asks them to plot a simple PPF for each country and mark the specialization points.
  5. Class discussion (8'): Groups share findings; teacher highlights economies of scale and overall gains from trade.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick exit quiz (3 multiple‑choice questions) projected on screen.
Conclusion:

Summarise that specialisation lets countries produce what they do best, lowering costs and expanding choice for consumers. Ask students to write one sentence on the board answering “Why does free trade matter for specialisation?” as an exit ticket. For homework, assign a short case study where they identify a real‑world country’s comparative advantage and suggest a trade partner.