Lesson Plan

• Describe how market, command and mixed economies allocate resources.
• Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each allocation mechanism.
• Apply the concepts to real‑world examples and evaluate related policy implications.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides with diagrams
• Printed handout of comparison table
• Worksheet with short answer and evaluation questions
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin with a quick poll: “Where do you think the price of a smartphone is decided?” Use the responses to highlight the role of markets versus planners. Review students’ prior knowledge of supply‑and‑demand and set the success criteria: students will be able to explain, compare and evaluate resource‑allocation mechanisms.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students write a brief definition of “resource allocation” on sticky notes.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain market allocation using price signals and the supply‑demand diagram.
3. Interactive modelling (10'): Demonstrate command‑economy allocation with a simple planner equation on the board.
4. Group activity (15'): Teams analyse a case study (UK, North Korea, Sweden) and fill a comparison chart.
5. Whole‑class debrief (10'): Groups present findings; teacher highlights mixed‑economy weighting concept.
6. Formative check (5'): Quick exit ticket – one advantage and one drawback of each system.

Summarise how price signals, central planning and government intervention each shape allocation. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: write a paragraph evaluating which system best balances efficiency and equity for a chosen good.