Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Reasons for adopting labour-intensive and capital-intensive production
Learning Objective/s:
  • Explain the reasons why firms choose labour‑intensive production methods.
  • Compare the advantages and disadvantages of labour‑intensive versus capital‑intensive production.
  • Apply a decision‑making framework to evaluate which production technique is appropriate for a given firm.
  • Analyse how cost structures and market demand influence the choice of production method.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck with definitions and key reasons
  • Handout containing the labour vs. capital comparison table
  • Worksheet with the shoe‑manufacturer case study
  • Markers and flip chart for group discussion
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “If you were starting a small business, would you hire more workers or invest in machines?” Connect this to prior learning about cost concepts and tell students they will identify why firms pick labour‑intensive or capital‑intensive production, with the success criteria of being able to list reasons and justify a choice.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students answer the poll on sticky notes; teacher records responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Review definitions and key reasons for each production type using slides.
  3. Comparative analysis activity (12’) – In pairs, fill out a comparison table on the handout; teacher circulates to check understanding.
  4. Decision‑making case study (15’) – Groups work through the shoe‑manufacturer example, calculate costs, discuss suitability under different demand levels, and complete the worksheet.
  5. Whole‑class debrief (8’) – Groups present findings; teacher highlights the decision‑making framework factors.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – Quick exit quiz (Kahoot or printed) with three multiple‑choice items.
Conclusion:
Summarise that firms weigh labour availability, cost, flexibility, and technology when choosing a production method. Ask students to write one key factor that would push a firm toward capital‑intensive production as an exit ticket. For homework, assign a short research task to find a real‑world example of a company that recently shifted from labour‑intensive to capital‑intensive production.