Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the three core functions of the IMF and their purpose.
  • Explain how the IMF tailors its programmes to developed and developing economies.
  • Analyse the conditionality attached to IMF lending and evaluate its economic and social implications.
  • Assess the criticisms of IMF interventions using the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis as a case study.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint presentation on IMF functions and instruments
  • Student handout with summary table of IMF lending facilities
  • Case‑study worksheet on the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “Which global institution helps countries manage balance‑of‑payments problems?” Connect to prior knowledge of international trade and monetary policy. Explain that today students will explore the IMF’s role, its core functions, and how its policies affect nations at different development stages. Success will be measured by their ability to describe functions, compare programmes, and critique conditionality.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’): Students write one example of a country that has received IMF assistance.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15’): Overview of IMF’s core functions and main lending instruments using slides.
  3. Group activity (12’): Teams analyse the handout table to match instruments with typical borrowers and conditions.
  4. Case study discussion (15’): Examine the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, identify conditionality and its impacts.
  5. Debate (10’): “Does IMF conditionality outweigh its benefits?” – each side presents arguments.
  6. Formative check (3’): Exit ticket – one sentence summarising a key strength and one limitation of the IMF.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the IMF supports stability while imposing policy conditions, highlighting the trade‑off discussed. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding. Assign homework: write a 200‑word reflection on whether the IMF should modify its conditionality for low‑income countries.