Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | MERCOSUR: Characteristics and Members

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students understand the fundamental concepts of MERCOSUL, including its structure, objectives, and the member and partner countries. This understanding is essential for the development of practical skills, as students will be able to critically analyze economic and customs integration and connect this knowledge with the job market, especially in areas related to international trade and international relations.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the structure and objectives of MERCOSUL.

2. Identify the member countries and their economic and customs integration policies.

3. Analyze the participation of partner countries such as Chile and Bolivia.

Side Objectives

1. Develop research and critical analysis skills.
2. Apply geographical knowledge to understand economic blocs.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

Purpose: The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students understand the fundamental concepts of MERCOSUL, including its structure, objectives, and member and partner countries. This understanding is essential for developing practical skills, as students will be able to critically analyze economic and customs integration and connect this knowledge with the job market, especially in areas related to international trade and international relations.

Contextualization

Contextualization: MERCOSUL is one of the main economic blocs in Latin America, created in 1991 by the Treaty of Asunción. It aims to promote economic, social, and political integration among its members, which include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with the partnership of Chile and Bolivia. The importance of MERCOSUL is reflected in the facilitation of trade among these countries, the reduction of customs tariffs, and the promotion of joint economic policies, which directly impact the lives of millions of people and businesses in the region.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Curiosities and Market Connection: Did you know that about 70% of Brazil's exports to Argentina are manufactured products? This illustrates the importance of MERCOSUL for the Brazilian economy. In the job market, knowledge about MERCOSUL is essential for professionals in Foreign Trade, International Relations, and Economics, as they deal directly with import and export policies, trade agreements, and customs regulations.

Initial Activity

Initial Activity: To spark students' interest, present a short video of 3-5 minutes about the impact of MERCOSUL on the everyday lives of people and businesses in South America. Then, ask the following provoking question: 'How do you think MERCOSUL influences the price and availability of products you consume daily?' Allow students to briefly discuss their answers in small groups.

Development

Duration: 55 - 60 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to allow students to deepen their understanding of MERCOSUL through practical and interactive activities. By engaging in research, presentations, and negotiation simulations, students can apply the acquired knowledge in a concrete way, developing skills relevant to the job market, such as research, critical analysis, negotiation, and teamwork.

Covered Topics

1. Structure of MERCOSUL
2. Objectives of MERCOSUL
3. Member Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay
4. Partner Countries: Chile and Bolivia
5. Economic and Customs Impacts
6. Economic Integration Policies

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how the existence of MERCOSUL influences the local economy of member and partner countries. Ask: 'How can the economic integration promoted by MERCOSUL benefit or harm small and medium enterprises in your country?' Encourage them to think about the positive and negative aspects of this integration, considering different economic sectors.

Mini Challenge

MERCOSUL Negotiation Simulation

Students will be divided into groups, and each group will represent a member country of MERCOSUL (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) or a partner country (Chile and Bolivia). Each group should prepare a presentation about their country's main exports and imports, existing trade tariffs, and their expectations for negotiations within the bloc. Then, the groups will participate in a simulation of a MERCOSUL meeting, where they will negotiate trade agreements that benefit their respective countries.

Instructions

1. Divide students into groups, assigning each group a member or partner country of MERCOSUL.
2. Instruct the groups to research their country's main exports and imports, as well as existing trade tariffs.
3. Ask each group to prepare a 5-minute presentation on the researched information.
4. After the presentations, organize a simulation of a MERCOSUL meeting. Each group must negotiate trade agreements with the other groups, seeking benefits for their country.
5. At the end of the simulation, discuss with the class the challenges and lessons learned from the activity.

Objective: Develop research, negotiation, and teamwork skills, as well as provide a practical understanding of the negotiation dynamics within MERCOSUL.

Duration: 40 - 45 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. List the member countries of MERCOSUL and briefly describe their main economic characteristics.
2. Explain the main objectives of MERCOSUL and how they impact the economies of the member countries.
3. Discuss the importance of partner countries (Chile and Bolivia) for MERCOSUL.
4. Describe an example of how the economic integration of MERCOSUL can influence a medium-sized Brazilian company.

Conclusion

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate students' learning, promoting critical reflection on the content presented and the activities carried out. By summarizing the main points and discussing practical applications, students will better understand the relevance of MERCOSUL for the economy and the job market, as well as reinforce the connection between theory and practice.

Discussion

Promote a final discussion with students about what they learned during the class. Ask: 'What were the main challenges you encountered during the MERCOSUL negotiation simulation? How can economic integration policies influence the lives of people and companies in our country?' Encourage students to reflect on the mini challenge, the fixation exercises, and how these activities helped consolidate their knowledge about MERCOSUL and its importance for the regional economy.

Summary

Summarize and recap the main contents presented about MERCOSUL. Highlight the structure and objectives of the bloc, the member countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), and partner countries (Chile and Bolivia), as well as the economic and customs impacts of integration policies. Remind students about the importance of exports and imports for the economies of the member countries and how trade tariffs are negotiated.

Closing

Explain how the class connected theory, practice, and applications. Mention that practical activities, such as the negotiation simulation, allowed for a more in-depth and applied understanding of the content, developing relevant skills for the job market. Emphasize the importance of MERCOSUL for the local and regional economy, highlighting how knowledge of economic blocs is crucial for professionals in various fields. Conclude by reinforcing that understanding these dynamics can help students become more informed citizens prepared for the challenges of the job market.