Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Business
Lesson Topic: flexible working contracts and the advantages and disadvantages of temporary or flexible contracts including zero hours, part-time, full-time, annualised hours, flexi-time, home working, shift working, job sharing, compressed hours and the gig econom
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the main types of flexible working contracts and their key features.
  • Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of each contract type for both employers and employees.
  • Evaluate how legal, cost, and strategic considerations influence the selection of flexible contracts.
  • Apply a simple cost‑benefit framework to recommend appropriate contract types for a given business scenario.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slide presentation
  • Printed handout summarising contract types and pros/cons
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Case study worksheets for group analysis
  • Laptop with internet access for research on gig platforms
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: How many of you have friends or family on a zero‑hours or gig‑economy job? Building on your understanding of standard full‑time contracts, today we’ll explore a range of flexible arrangements and the trade‑offs they present. By the end of the lesson you will be able to compare contract types, assess their benefits and risks, and justify suitable choices for a business.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5’) – Students list any flexible work arrangements they know and share briefly.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15’) – Overview of the ten contract types, key features, and summary handout.
  3. Comparative analysis activity (20’) – In groups, complete a worksheet comparing advantages and disadvantages of two assigned contracts; present findings.
  4. Case study application (15’) – Groups evaluate a fictional retailer’s staffing needs and recommend suitable flexible contracts using a cost‑benefit checklist.
  5. Whole‑class discussion (10’) – Discuss legal and strategic considerations, linking to the key manager points.
  6. Exit ticket (5’) – Each student writes one contract type they consider most valuable and why.
Conclusion:
Summarise the main trade‑offs of flexible contracts and revisit the key manager considerations. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign a brief homework: research a real company that uses a gig‑economy model and prepare a one‑page critique of its HR implications.