Globalisation - Lesson Plan: flexible number of 1 hour lessons

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

• AQA: Module 6
• Edexcel: Unit 6
• OCR: Unit 2883, 5.3.4

Aim:

The issue of globalisation is not a specific requirement of the AS or (directly) the A2 specification but the issues it raises span the scope of international economics, especially the issues of trade. These lessons, therefore, are a slight diversion but highlight a number of important features of the way in which the international economy is developing.

The purpose of the lessons is to give students the chance of researching some of the key issues related to globalisation. It aims to assess their ability to select, synthesise and present information appropriately as well as writing a coherent argument.

The activity should be carried out by splitting the class into two groups. Each group will carry out some research into either the costs or the benefits of globalisation with the intention of giving a presentation of their research to the remainder of the group or any other appropriate audience. A report will be written on the key issues involved in looking at the future of globalisation.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lessons, students should:

• Have a working definition of the term 'globalisation'
• Understand the key features related to globalisation
• Demonstrate skills of selection and synthesis in researching information on the subject
• Have produced a presentation using appropriate media and present a confident and clear argument to their audience
• Be confident enough with the material to be able to answer questions from the audience on aspects of the subject
• Produce a concise report on the key issues facing the authorities in dealing with the effects of globalisation

Resources:

• PowerPoint Presentation - Globalisation [339K]
• Mind Map - Globalisation
• Activity - Globalisation
• PCs for research
• Appropriate presentation media

Lesson Structure:

Lesson 1

1. Introduce the subject matter by showing the Presentation - note that the images in the Presentation will 'load' automatically and do not need a mouse action. Throughout the Presentation, discuss the key issues arising. (25 minutes)
2. Introduce the Activity. Explain the outcomes and the learning objectives. (15 minutes)
3. Students discuss roles and responsibilities in their groups. (20 minutes)

The remaining lessons will be taken up with the research carried out by students and the presentation. The research and preparation could be restricted to one lesson but in reality will need two or three lessons to be carried out properly. Allow one hour for the presentation (although this could be amended as necessary) and structure it as follows:

1. Introduction. (5 minutes)
2. Group 1 - Presentation (15 minutes) and questions (10 minutes)
3. Group 2 - Presentation (15 minutes) and questions (10 minutes)
4. Summing up and conclusion (5 minutes)

The report writing can be used as a homework session.