Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Reasons for differences in wages: discrimination, e.g. male/female
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the main factors that cause wage differences among workers.
  • Explain how gender discrimination contributes to wage gaps beyond productivity differences.
  • Analyse a simple wage‑determination model that incorporates a discrimination coefficient.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of policy responses aimed at reducing wage discrimination.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout with wage‑gap data tables
  • Graph paper or digital spreadsheet for plotting
  • Case‑study worksheets on discrimination scenarios
  • Sticky notes for quick polls
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll asking students to estimate average earnings of men and women in their country. Connect their ideas to prior knowledge of supply and demand in labour markets. Explain that today they will investigate why wages differ and how discrimination can widen the gap, with success measured by their ability to explain and evaluate these factors.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students complete a short questionnaire on perceived wage differences.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present key determinants of wage differences and introduce discrimination concepts.
  3. Data analysis activity (15’) – In pairs, examine provided wage‑gap tables, calculate percentage gaps, and discuss patterns.
  4. Model demonstration (10’) – Walk through the simple wage equation, showing the impact of a discrimination coefficient.
  5. Policy debate (15’) – Groups assign a policy response, argue its potential effectiveness, and record conclusions.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – Exit ticket: write one way to identify discrimination in wage data.
Conclusion:
Summarise that while productivity and market forces shape wages, discrimination can create unexplained gaps. Ask students to submit an exit ticket describing one policy that could reduce the gender wage gap. Assign homework to research a recent real‑world example of wage discrimination and prepare a brief summary.