Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: distinction between absolute poverty and relative poverty
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the definitions of absolute and relative poverty.
  • Explain how each type of poverty is measured and the data required.
  • Compare the policy implications of targeting absolute versus relative poverty.
  • Analyse a simple income scenario to determine poverty status under both measures.
  • Evaluate the advantages and limitations of using a single poverty line.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slides
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout with poverty‑line tables and example scenario
  • Calculator or spreadsheet for quick calculations
  • Printed copies of the Lorenz‑curve diagram
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “What does ‘being poor’ mean to you?” Connect responses to prior discussions on basic needs versus social participation. Explain that today’s success criteria are to define both poverty types, calculate their thresholds, and discuss how each shapes redistribution policies.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5’) – Students write a brief definition of poverty; share; teacher records key ideas.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present definitions, measurement approaches, and table comparison using projector.
  3. Guided practice (12’) – Work in pairs on the provided income scenario to identify absolute and relative poverty status; calculate thresholds with calculators.
  4. Class discussion (8’) – Discuss policy implications, answer critical questions, and critique single‑line approaches.
  5. Exit ticket (5’) – Students write one way policymakers could address absolute poverty and one way to tackle relative poverty.
Conclusion:
Summarise that absolute poverty focuses on survival needs while relative poverty highlights social exclusion and inequality. Ask students to recall the two measurement formulas as a quick retrieval check. Assign a short homework: research a recent government program aimed at reducing either absolute or relative poverty and prepare a one‑page summary.