Lesson Plan

• Describe the main inputs (labour, capital, technology, entrepreneurship) and how they influence a firm’s output.
• Explain the concept of productivity and calculate labour, capital, and total‑factor productivity.
• Analyse how technology, human capital, management, scale of operations and government policy affect productivity and production.
• Evaluate the relationship between productivity gains and production capacity using real‑world examples.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides covering the production function and influences
• Printed worksheet with a production‑function table and productivity formulas
• Calculator for each student
• Diagram handout of the Production Possibility Curve (PPC)
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin with a short video clip showing a factory that has introduced new automation technology. Ask students what they think changed in the firm’s output. Review briefly the four basic inputs of production that were covered last lesson. State that by the end of the class they will be able to identify and evaluate the key influences on both production levels and productivity.

1. Do‑now (5') – Quick quiz on the four inputs of production; collect responses.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Introduce the production function Q = f(L, K, T) and define productivity.
3. Group activity (15') – In small groups, classify the eight influences (technology, labour, etc.) as “production” or “productivity” factors and justify choices.
4. Diagram work (10') – Using the PPC handout, students sketch how a technological improvement shifts the curve outward.
5. Productivity calculations (10') – Students complete worksheet problems calculating labour, capital and total‑factor productivity.
6. Think‑pair‑share (5') – Discuss how higher productivity can expand production capacity without additional inputs.
7. Check for understanding (5') – Exit ticket: name one influence that affects both production and productivity and explain why.

Recap the main influences on production and productivity and how they interrelate. Collect exit tickets and highlight a strong response as a summary. For homework, ask students to find a recent news article describing a firm that improved productivity through technology or training and prepare a brief paragraph linking it to today’s concepts.