Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: distinction between a free trade area, a customs union, a monetary union and full economic union
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the four levels of economic integration and their key characteristics.
  • Compare and contrast the policy dimensions of a free trade area, customs union, monetary union, and full economic union.
  • Analyse the economic benefits and policy trade‑offs associated with moving to a deeper level of integration.
  • Evaluate reasons why a country might be hesitant to join a monetary or full economic union.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout summarising the four integration stages
  • Worksheet with case‑study questions
  • Laptop with internet access
  • Sticky notes for group brainstorming
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: which of you have heard of the EU’s single market? Briefly recap that economic integration reduces trade barriers and builds on previous stages. Explain that by the end of the lesson you will be able to distinguish the four integration levels and justify why deeper integration involves policy sacrifices.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students match examples (NAFTA, Eurozone) to integration stages on mini‑cards; teacher checks answers.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present definitions and key features of each stage using slides and the comparison table.
  3. Guided analysis (12'): In pairs, students fill a worksheet comparing two stages and discuss trade‑creation vs. trade‑ diversion.
  4. Case study discussion (10'): Groups list reasons a country might resist joining a monetary union and share their arguments.
  5. Whole‑class synthesis (8'): Teacher consolidates differences on the board, highlighting added policy dimensions.
  6. Formative check (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence defining the level of integration they find most challenging.
Conclusion:
Summarise that each successive stage adds deeper policy coordination and reduces national autonomy. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign homework: write a short paragraph evaluating the pros and cons of a full economic union for a chosen country.