Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Economics → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: difference between equity and equality
Learning Objective/s:
  • Distinguish between equity and equality in economic contexts.
  • Explain why policymakers prefer equity over equality when designing redistribution measures.
  • Analyse how a progressive tax function reflects equitable burden sharing.
  • Compare policy tools that achieve equity versus those that achieve equality.
  • Apply the concepts to answer quick‑check questions on taxation and redistribution.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout summarising equality vs equity and Lorenz‑curve diagram
  • Calculator or spreadsheet for tax‑function demonstration
  • Quick‑check question cards
  • Sticky notes for exit ticket
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip showing contrasting outcomes of a flat tax versus a progressive tax to hook interest. Ask students what they already know about “equal treatment” in society and link it to previous lessons on income distribution. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify and justify the shift from equality to equity in policy design.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Students answer Quick‑Check Question 1 on a sticky note and hand it in.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define equality and equity, show Lorenz‑curve diagram, and discuss horizontal vs vertical concepts.
  3. Guided analysis (15'): Work through the comparison table; demonstrate the progressive tax function $T(y)=\alpha y^{\beta}$ with a spreadsheet.
  4. Group activity (10'): Teams design a brief policy proposal that targets equity (e.g., means‑tested benefit) and present the rationale.
  5. Formative check (5'): Quick‑check Question 2 & 3 answered orally; teacher provides immediate feedback.
Conclusion:
Summarise the key differences between equity and equality and why equity is favoured in redistribution policy. Collect exit tickets where students write one real‑world example of an equitable policy. Assign homework: research a current government policy that embodies equity and prepare a one‑minute summary for the next class.