Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Reasons for differences in living standards and income distribution within and between countries
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how natural resources, human capital, physical capital, technology, institutions, geography, trade openness, and macro‑economic stability affect living standards between countries.
  • Explain the key factors that create income distribution differences within countries, including education, urban‑rural divide, labour‑market institutions, access to capital, discrimination, and regional policies.
  • Compare and interpret common indicators (GDP per capita, GNI, HDI, Gini, Palma ratio) to assess living standards and inequality.
  • Analyse a case‑study of three countries to identify why similar income levels can correspond with different inequality outcomes.
  • Apply the concepts by proposing policy measures to improve living standards and reduce inequality.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slides
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout with summary tables of indicators and case‑study data
  • Worksheets with discussion questions and data‑analysis tasks
  • Laptop with internet access for interactive maps
  • Sticky notes or index cards for group brainstorming
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking fact: while Country A enjoys a per‑capita income of US$55,000, Country C lives on less than US$2,000. Ask students what they think drives such gaps, linking to prior knowledge of GDP. Explain that today they will explore the economic, institutional and geographic reasons behind living‑standard and inequality differences, and that they will be assessed by a short exit ticket summarising the key drivers.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5’) – Students match living‑standard indicators (GDP, HDI, MPI) to their definitions on a quick quiz displayed on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15’) – Present the eight between‑country factors with real‑world examples; use slides and a world map.
  3. Guided analysis (10’) – In pairs, students examine the case‑study table and identify which factors explain each country’s performance; share findings.
  4. Within‑country discussion (10’) – Whole‑class discussion of the six intra‑country determinants, referencing the discussion questions on the handout.
  5. Indicator deep‑dive (10’) – Small groups evaluate the strengths and limitations of the Gini, Quintile share and Palma ratios, then report one limitation.
  6. Think‑Pair‑Share (5’) – Students answer: “Why can two countries with similar GDP per capita have different inequality levels?” and record on sticky notes.
  7. Formative check (5’) – Quick Kahoot quiz covering key concepts.
  8. Exit ticket (5’) – Write one policy recommendation to raise living standards and one to reduce inequality, to be handed in.
Conclusion:
Summarise that living standards are shaped by a mix of resource endowments, human and physical capital, technology, institutions and trade, while inequality stems from education, labour markets and policy choices. Collect the exit tickets as retrieval practice and remind students to complete the homework worksheet that asks them to compare two countries of their choice using the indicators discussed.