Exploring Globalization: The Impact of International Trade

Lesson Summary:

In this activity, students will explore the concept of globalization and its impact on international trade. They will analyze the benefits and challenges of globalization, examine the role of multinational corporations, and investigate the effects of trade agreements on economies around the world. Through interactive discussions, research, and group work, students will gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the global economy.

Learning Outcomes:

• Know the definition and key features of globalization
• Understand the benefits and challenges of globalization
• Examine the role of multinational corporations in the global economy
• Analyze the impact of trade agreements on economies
• Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the effects of globalization

Methodology:

This activity will be conducted over a span of two weeks and will involve a combination of individual research, group discussions, and presentations. Students will be provided with relevant resources, including articles, videos, and case studies, to support their learning. They will also have access to online platforms for collaborative work and information gathering.

Resources/Materials:

• Laptops or computers with internet access
• Printed articles and case studies on globalization and international trade
• Projector or smartboard for multimedia presentations
• Online collaboration tools (e.g., Google Docs, Padlet)

Instructions:

Day 1:

1. Introduce the concept of globalization and its impact on international trade. Discuss the interconnectedness of economies and the role of trade in promoting economic growth.
2. Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific aspect of globalization to research (e.g., cultural exchange, labor migration, technological advancements).
3. Provide students with the necessary resources and guide them in conducting their research. Encourage critical thinking and analysis of the chosen aspect.
4. Ask each group to create a presentation summarizing their findings. They should include examples and real-life case studies to support their arguments.

Day 2:

1. Allow each group to present their findings to the class. Encourage active participation and thoughtful questions from the audience.
2. Facilitate a class discussion on the benefits and challenges of globalization. Encourage students to consider different perspectives and provide evidence to support their arguments.
3. Introduce the concept of multinational corporations and their role in the global economy. Discuss the impact of multinational corporations on local economies and labor practices.
4. Assign a case study on a specific multinational corporation for students to analyze. They should evaluate the corporation's impact on the host country's economy, environment, and society.

Day 3:

1. Allow students time to research and analyze the assigned case study. They should consider both positive and negative aspects of the corporation's presence in the host country.
2. Ask each student to write a short reflection paper summarizing their findings and providing their own perspective on the role of multinational corporations in the global economy.
3. Facilitate a class discussion where students can share their reflections and engage in respectful debates on the topic.
4. Introduce the concept of trade agreements and their impact on economies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of trade agreements for participating countries.

Day 4:

1. Divide students into pairs and assign each pair a specific trade agreement to research (e.g., NAFTA, EU, ASEAN).
2. Provide students with resources on their assigned trade agreement and guide them in analyzing its impact on the participating countries' economies.
3. Ask each pair to create a visual representation (e.g., infographic, poster) summarizing their findings. They should highlight the main benefits and challenges of the trade agreement.
4. Allow students to present their visual representations to the class. Encourage discussions on the potential effects of trade agreements on different sectors of the economy.

Assessment:

Assessment will be based on the following criteria:

• Quality of individual research and participation in group discussions
• Clarity and coherence of group presentations
• Depth of analysis in the reflection papers
• Creativity and effectiveness of visual representations

By the end of this activity, students should:

• Know the definition and key features of globalization
• Understand the benefits and challenges of globalization
• Examine the role of multinational corporations in the global economy
• Analyze the impact of trade agreements on economies
• Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the effects of globalization