Lesson Plan

• Describe how derived demand determines firms' demand for labour.
• Explain the key determinants that shift labour demand and labour supply.
• Analyse how shifts in demand or supply affect the equilibrium wage and employment level.
• Evaluate the impact of minimum‑wage legislation and collective bargaining on wage determination.

• Projector and screen for slides/diagrams
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout with labour‑market diagram and summary table
• Worksheets containing practice questions
• Calculator (optional) for calculations

Think about why wages differ across industries and occupations. Students should already understand basic supply‑and‑demand curves. By the end of the lesson they will be able to explain how demand and supply factors move the wage equilibrium and evaluate real‑world influences.

1. Do‑now (5') – Quick written response: “List three factors that might cause wages to rise or fall.” Collect and display responses.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Explain derived demand and key determinants of labour demand using a slide and simple diagram.
3. Interactive activity (10') – In pairs, students list supply determinants on sticky notes and place them on a board; class discussion follows.
4. Diagram analysis (10') – Show the labour‑market graph; walk through right‑ward and left‑ward shifts of demand and supply, students annotate the diagram.
5. Real‑world case study (10') – Discuss minimum‑wage legislation and collective bargaining; groups evaluate advantages and disadvantages.
6. Practice questions (10') – Students attempt two of the provided questions; teacher circulates to give feedback.
7. Check for understanding (5') – Exit ticket: one sentence summarising how a right‑ward shift in labour demand affects the equilibrium wage.

We revisited how the determinants of demand and supply move the wage equilibrium and considered policy influences. Students hand in their exit tickets, confirming their understanding. For homework, each student will research a recent minimum‑wage change in their country and write a brief paragraph on its observed impact on employment.