Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: Advantages and disadvantages of restricting free trade
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the reasons governments impose trade restrictions.
  • Explain at least three advantages and three disadvantages of restricting free trade.
  • Analyse the impact of tariffs on consumer welfare, domestic producers, and government revenue.
  • Evaluate the short‑term and long‑term effects of trade restrictions using economic concepts.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slides/diagrams
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout summarising advantages, disadvantages, and the comparative table
  • Worksheet with discussion questions and tariff calculation exercise
  • Printed supply‑and‑demand diagram for annotation
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “What products do you buy from overseas?” Use responses to highlight students’ reliance on imports. Recall the previous lesson on the benefits of free trade, then state today’s success criteria – students will identify why governments restrict trade, list key pros and cons, and assess economic impacts.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list three imported items they use daily on sticky notes and share.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Define free trade, trade restrictions, and government motives; present the comparative table.
  3. Group activity (15’) – In groups, analyse a tariff on steel case study, identifying advantages and disadvantages; complete worksheet.
  4. Diagram demonstration (8’) – Teacher draws the tariff effect on a supply‑and‑demand graph; students annotate printed copies.
  5. Guided discussion (10’) – Use discussion questions to debate impacts; groups present arguments.
  6. Quick check (5’) – Exit ticket: write one advantage and one disadvantage of restricting free trade with a brief justification.
Conclusion:
Summarise that trade restrictions can protect certain sectors but often raise prices and cause inefficiencies. Collect exit tickets, then assign homework: complete the worksheet and research a real‑world trade restriction to share in the next class.