Lesson Plan

• Explain why income levels differ between countries.
• Identify and compare key indicators (GNI per capita, PPP, HDI) used to measure income.
• Analyse how physical capital, human capital, institutions, geography, natural resources and trade openness affect income.
• Evaluate case studies such as the East Asian Miracle and the resource‑curse to illustrate factor impacts.
• Apply the concepts to interpret income data and suggest policy recommendations.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Slide deck with indicator tables and charts
• Handout summarising key factors and case‑study data
• Worksheets for data analysis tasks
• World map or digital mapping tool
• Sticky notes / exit‑ticket cards

Begin with a quick poll: “Which country do you think is richest and why?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of GDP and ask them to consider what “richness” really means. Explain that today they will explore the multiple factors that create income gaps and how economists measure them. Success will be shown by their ability to explain and apply these concepts in discussion and activities.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students compare two country income cards and note observed differences.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Introduce GNI per capita, PPP, and HDI with visual slides.
3. Guided analysis (12'): In pairs, fill a table linking physical capital, human capital, institutions, geography, resources, and trade openness to the income data for Luxembourg, India, and Nigeria.
4. Case‑study discussion (10'): Examine the “East Asian Miracle” and discuss why those economies grew rapidly.
5. Synthesis activity (8'): Whole‑class creates a bar chart on the board summarising the impact of each factor.
6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick quiz (Kahoot or show‑of‑hands) on key concepts.
7. Exit ticket (5'): Write one factor they consider most crucial for income growth and justify their choice.

Recap the main determinants of income differences and how they are measured. Collect exit tickets to gauge individual understanding and address any lingering misconceptions. For homework, students will select a country not covered in class, research its income level, and write a brief report linking the observed income to at least three of the factors discussed.