The European Union 1 - Lesson Plan: 4 x 1 hour lessons

A series of 'off the shelf' lesson plans and resources for use in the classroom. These lessons deal with the European Union and are relevant to the following specifications:

• AQA: Module 4
• Edexcel: Unit 4, Unit 6
• OCR: Unit 2883, 5.3.4 and 2888, 5.8.2

Aim:

The purpose of the lessons is to encourage students to carry out research into some key aspects of the EU and to separate out fact from opinion, reinforcing the idea of positive and normative issues in economics. The lessons are based around the development of a debate on whether the UK should continue with its membership of the EU. The format follows that of a debate and it is suggested that the 'audience' referred to is drawn from the remainder of the institution - other economics/business groups, younger students as part of their citizenship courses in other institutions or in the school/college, the rest of the 'sixth form' in a general studies session or similar.

The process of developing an argument in this way places a responsibility on students to build their understanding and ability to generate a coherent and supported argument - especially if they have to present their case to an 'audience' as suggested.

The timing of the debate should be strictly adhered to - the educator can be the Chair or the task could be given to a student. In addition to developing research and written skills, the lesson also encompasses other key skills such as presentation skills, the effective use of ICT, working in teams and inter-personal skills.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lessons, students should be able to:

• Understand the main aims and functions of the EU
• Identify positive from normative statements
• Appreciate the importance of a balanced argument
• Develop a range of key skills, including presenting to an audience
• Use ICT to research information and be selective in the use of information in presenting a clear and coherent argument

Resources:

• PowerPoint Presentation - The European Union 1 [386 KB] (basic version also available for quicker download [152 KB])
• Mind Map - The European Union 1
• Activity - The European Union 1: Better Out Than In?
• PCs for student research
• Projector and white board

Lesson Structure:

Pre-preparation - negotiate date, time and venue to 'book' the audience.

Lesson 1

1. Introduce the subject of the EU through the use of the PowerPoint Presentation. Discuss relevant points with students during the Presentation. (30 minutes)
2. Introduce the Activity and explain the aims and the learning objectives. (10 minutes)
3. Split the group into teams and set them the task of making a preliminary plan of some of the key issues they will want to raise in their presentation through brainstorming. (15 minutes)
4. Review the main points of the lesson and set a marker for the task in the next two lessons. (5 minutes)

Lesson 2 and 3

Students to work on researching their areas and developing their presentation. Ensure students are given guidance throughout the research and development process.

Lesson 4

The debate:

1. Introduction (2 minutes)
2. The case for the motion (15 minutes)
3. The case against the motion (15 minutes)
4. Questions (20 minutes)
5. Summary (2 x 2 minutes)
6. Voting

The result can be counted and published at some point soon after the debate on appropriate notice boards, depending on the nature of the audience used.

Voting slips for printing out and cutting up (PDF, 11K)
(You may need to download the Adobe Acrobat reader to view this document - http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html)