Lesson Plan

• Describe the difference between voluntary and involuntary unemployment.
• Explain how each type affects wage determination and labour‑market equilibrium.
• Calculate the unemployment rate using the standard formula.
• Analyse policy responses appropriate for each type of unemployment.
• Compare classical and Keynesian perspectives on involuntary unemployment.

• Projector and screen for slides/diagrams
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout with key definitions and comparison table
• Calculator or spreadsheet for unemployment‑rate exercise
• Sample labour‑market diagram (printed or digital)
• Worksheets for policy‑analysis activity

Begin with a quick poll: “If you could choose to work or not at today’s wage, what would you do?” Connect this to students’ understanding of supply‑and‑demand in the labour market. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to differentiate voluntary from involuntary unemployment, compute the unemployment rate, and evaluate suitable policy responses.

1. Do‑now (5’) – Students calculate the unemployment rate from a short data set displayed on the board.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present definitions and key differences using slides and the comparison table.
3. Guided practice (8’) – Pairs complete a Venn diagram contrasting voluntary and involuntary unemployment.
4. Diagram activity (7’) – Sketch the labour‑market diagram showing a minimum‑wage induced involuntary unemployment and a voluntary withdrawal scenario; teacher provides feedback.
5. Policy debate (12’) – Small groups evaluate one demand‑side, one supply‑side, and one incentive policy, then present brief justifications.
6. Check for understanding (3’) – Exit ticket: define each type of unemployment in one sentence and suggest one policy response.

Summarise how the two forms of unemployment influence wage levels and policy choices, reviewing the exit‑ticket responses to confirm understanding. For homework, students write a short paragraph comparing classical and Keynesian explanations for involuntary unemployment, citing at least one real‑world example.