Lesson plan of Globalization and Neoliberalism

Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Understand the concepts of globalization and neoliberalism, and how they relate to the contemporary world economy.
2. Critically analyze the impacts of globalization and neoliberalism on society, the economy, and the environment.
3. Identify and discuss concrete examples of situations in which globalization and neoliberalism have shaped geopolitics and international relations.

Secondary Objectives:

• Develop critical and analytical thinking skills when examining the role of globalization and neoliberalism in shaping the current world.
• Stimulate classroom discussion, encouraging students to express their opinions and perspectives on the subject.
• Promote understanding of global interconnectedness and the importance of historical context in the analysis of contemporary phenomena.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

1. Review of previous concepts: The teacher begins the class by recalling fundamental concepts that the students should have already studied, such as the concept of economy, politics and society. The goal is to ensure that all students have a solid foundation for understanding the new topics that will be covered. (2 - 3 minutes)

2. Problem situations: The teacher presents two problem situations to contextualize the topic of the class. The first may be about the expansion of a large multinational company in several countries, causing social and environmental impacts. The second may involve the discussion about the free movement of goods and people between countries and the consequences of this for the local economy. Both situations are practical examples of globalization and neoliberalism. (3 - 4 minutes)

3. Contextualization of the importance of the subject: The teacher explains how globalization and neoliberalism affect everyone's daily lives, from the products we consume to the political decisions that are made. The goal is to show students that these concepts are not just theoretical, but have real implications in their lives. (2 - 3 minutes)

4. Introduction of the topic: The teacher introduces the topic of the class by explaining that globalization is a process of economic, social, cultural and political integration that has its origins in the late 19th century. Neoliberalism, in turn, is an ideology that defends the reduction of the role of the State in the economy and the opening of markets for private initiative. Both processes have been widely debated and criticized, and understanding their impacts is essential for understanding the contemporary world. (3 - 4 minutes)

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

1. Activity "Path of Globalization" (10 - 12 minutes)

   • The teacher divides the class into groups of five students.
   • Each group receives a world map, colored pens and stickers.
   • The goal of the activity is to map the path of a product, from the raw material to the final consumer, considering the stages of production, transportation, marketing and consumption.
   • The teacher gives each group a product of choice (for example, a smartphone, a t-shirt, a chocolate) and the students must research and draw the stages of the global production process of that product on the world map, marking the countries involved in each stage.
   • Then, the students must discuss and write down the social, economic and environmental impacts of this process, relating it to the concepts of globalization and neoliberalism.
   • At the end of the activity, each group must present its "Path of Globalization" to the class, highlighting the points of discussion identified.

2. Activity "Debate on Neoliberalism" (10 - 12 minutes)

   • The teacher proposes a classroom debate on neoliberalism, dividing the class into two groups: one group in favor of neoliberalism and the other against.
   • Each group receives a predetermined time to prepare their arguments. During this time, students should research and discuss the main aspects of neoliberalism, such as reducing the role of the State in the economy, promoting free enterprise and opening markets.
   • After the preparation, the debate begins. The teacher acts as a moderator, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to speak and that the debate is carried out in a respectful and constructive manner.
   • At the end of the debate, the teacher summarizes the main ideas discussed and reinforces the importance of understanding the arguments of both sides, even if they personally have a different opinion.

3. Activity "Impacts of Globalization" (5 - 7 minutes)

   • To conclude the Development stage, the teacher proposes an activity of individual reflection.
   • Students are asked to write on a paper the three impacts of globalization that they consider most relevant to society, the economy and the environment.
   • Then, the students are encouraged to share their reflections with the class, promoting a final discussion on the topic.

Note: During all activities, the teacher should circulate around the room, assisting students, clarifying doubts and ensuring that the discussion remains focused on the topic of the class.

Feedback (10 - 12 minutes)

1. Group Discussion (4 - 5 minutes)

   • The teacher asks each group to share with the class the main conclusions or solutions they found during the activities. This may include the impacts identified in the "Path of Globalization", the main arguments of the debate on neoliberalism and the impacts of globalization discussed in the final reflection activity.
   • The teacher should encourage the participation of all students, ensuring that each group has an equal time to present their ideas. He or she can also ask questions to stimulate the discussion and deepen students' understanding of the concepts of globalization and neoliberalism.

2. Connection to Theory (3 - 4 minutes)

   • After the presentations of the groups, the teacher should summarize the main points discussed, connecting them to the theoretical concepts presented in the Introduction of the class.
   • For example, if the issue of the role of the State in the economy arose during the debate, the teacher can explain how this issue is related to neoliberalism and globalization. Or if, in the reflection activity, several students mentioned the issue of social inequality, the teacher can discuss how globalization and neoliberalism have contributed to this inequality.
   • The goal is to reinforce students' understanding of the theoretical concepts and show their relevance to the analysis of real-life phenomena.

3. Individual Reflection (3 - 4 minutes)

   • To conclude the class, the teacher proposes that the students reflect individually on what they have learned. He or she asks some guiding questions, such as:
     1. What was the most important concept you learned today?
     2. What questions have not yet been answered?
   • The students have one minute to think about their answers and then they are invited to share them with the class. The teacher should give positive feedback to all answers, encouraging students to continue thinking about the concepts and issues discussed in the class.

Note: Feedback is a crucial stage of the lesson plan, as it allows the teacher to assess students' understanding of the topic and adjust the teaching to meet their needs. In addition, by promoting reflection and discussion, the teacher is developing important skills, such as critical thinking and the expression of opinions in a respectful manner.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Summary of Contents (2 - 3 minutes)

   • The teacher makes a brief summary of the main points covered in the class, recalling the key concepts of globalization and neoliberalism, and highlighting how they intertwine to shape the contemporary world economy.
   • He or she reinforces the impacts of globalization and neoliberalism on society, the economy and the environment, using practical examples discussed during the group activities.
   • The goal is to consolidate the knowledge acquired by the students and reinforce the relevance of the subject for the understanding of the current world.

2. Connection between Theory, Practice and Applications (1 - 2 minutes)

   • The teacher explains how the class connected the theory, practice and applications of the theme. He or she highlights how the activities, such as the "Path of Globalization" and the debate on neoliberalism, allowed students to apply the theoretical concepts in a practical and analytical way.
   • In addition, the teacher emphasizes how understanding these concepts helps to understand current issues, such as the expansion of multinational companies, global economic crises and social inequalities.

3. Extra Materials (1 - 2 minutes)

   • The teacher suggests extra materials for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the subject. These materials may include documentaries, newspaper articles, lecture videos and books related to globalization, neoliberalism and world economy.
   • He or she may also indicate websites of international organizations, such as the UN and the World Bank, which provide data and analysis on globalization and its impacts.
   • The goal is to encourage self-directed learning and research, skills that are essential for the academic and professional development of students.

4. Relevance of the Subject in Daily Life (1 minute)

   • To conclude the class, the teacher highlights the importance of the subject in the students' daily lives. He or she explains that, in an increasingly globalized world, understanding the economic and political processes that shape it is essential to becoming an informed and active citizen.
   • In addition, the teacher highlights that knowledge about globalization and neoliberalism can help students to understand and position themselves in the face of contemporary problems and challenges, such as social inequality, the environmental crisis and changes in world geopolitics.