Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: The difference between production and productivity
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the difference between production and productivity.
  • Explain how productivity is measured using total, average, and marginal product.
  • Calculate labour productivity from given data.
  • Analyse why productivity improvements affect costs and firm decisions.
  • Compare the implications of changes in production versus productivity for a firm.
Materials Needed:
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Projector with slides
  • Handout with production vs productivity table
  • Calculator worksheets for productivity calculations
  • Sample data set (factory output and labour hours)
  • Graph paper or digital tool for drawing a production function
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “If a factory makes more goods, does it automatically mean it is more efficient?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of output and cost. Explain that today they will distinguish production from productivity and identify why the distinction matters for firm decisions. Success will be shown by correctly calculating and interpreting productivity ratios.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5') – Students answer the poll question on sticky notes and discuss differences between output and efficiency.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Define production and productivity; introduce TP, AP, MP formulas with examples.
  3. Guided practice (12') – Work through the sample calculation of labour productivity; students complete a worksheet in pairs.
  4. Diagram activity (8') – Plot a simple production function and label TP, AP, MP points using graph paper or a digital tool.
  5. Comparative analysis (10') – In small groups, fill a table comparing implications of changes in production vs productivity on costs and decisions; share findings.
  6. Check for understanding (5') – Quick quiz (exit ticket) with 2‑3 questions on definitions and calculations.
Conclusion:
Summarise that production measures total output while productivity measures efficiency per input, and that higher productivity can lower costs even without higher output. Students complete an exit ticket answering one definition and one calculation. For homework, assign a short problem set to calculate productivity for a different industry scenario.