Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Definition of division of labour (worker specialisation)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Define division of labour and describe its key features.
  • Explain why firms adopt worker specialisation.
  • Analyse how division of labour improves productivity using a shoe‑factory example.
  • Evaluate the impact of specialisation on economies of scale.
  • Apply the concept to a new production scenario.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handout with shoe‑factory table
  • Diagram template for flowchart
  • Worksheet with guided questions
  • Calculators (optional)
 Introduction:
Imagine a shoe factory where each worker performs only one specific task. Building on students’ prior knowledge of basic production processes, the teacher will ask them to list the steps they think are involved. Success criteria are stated: by the end of the lesson students will be able to define division of labour, list its benefits, and apply the concept to examples.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick written response to “What tasks are needed to make a pair of shoes?” – checks prior knowledge.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define division of labour, outline key features, and show a simple diagram.
  3. Interactive example (12'): Present the shoe‑factory table, calculate time saved, and discuss the four benefits.
  4. Group activity (15'): Students create a flowchart of specialised tasks on the provided template.
  5. Class discussion (8'): Groups display flowcharts; teacher highlights links to productivity and economies of scale.
  6. Formative check (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence defining division of labour and one benefit.
Conclusion:
The teacher recaps the definition, key features, and why firms use specialisation, then reviews a few exit‑ticket responses. Students complete an exit ticket summarising the concept, and for homework they research another industry that uses division of labour and write a brief paragraph explaining the benefits.