Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Asia: Asian Tigers

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to ensure that students acquire a solid understanding of the economic and commercial dynamics of the Asian Tigers. This is essential for developing practical skills that are highly relevant in today's job market, such as economic data analysis and understanding international relations. Additionally, by addressing these relationships, students will be better prepared to discuss and analyze global economic issues in greater depth.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the economic and commercial characteristics of the Asian Tigers.

2. Analyze how the trade relations of the Asian Tigers influence the global economy.

Side Objectives

1. Identify the main trading partners of the Asian Tigers.

Introduction

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to introduce students to the topic of the Asian Tigers in an engaging and thought-provoking way. This is essential to capture students' interest and contextualize the relevance of the topic, preparing them for the practical and reflective activities that will follow.

Contextualization

The 'Asian Tigers' are a group of economies that experienced rapid economic growth and industrialization starting from the second half of the 20th century. Comprising Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, these countries transformed from agrarian economies to technological and industrial powerhouses. Studying their trajectories allows us to understand how economic policies, investments in education, and innovation can drastically alter the fate of a nation.

Curiosities and Market Connection

• The Asian Tigers are known for their export-oriented strategies aimed at the global market, which help them maintain trade surpluses.
• Hong Kong and Singapore are considered important global financial centers, attracting investments from all over the world.
• South Korean technology companies, such as Samsung and LG, are global leaders in their sectors.
• Taiwan is one of the largest producers of semiconductors, essential components for electronic devices that drive the global digital economy.

Initial Activity

💡 Initial Activity: Show a short 5-minute video about the economic growth of the Asian Tigers. Then, pose a provocative question: 'How do you think these countries managed to transform in such a short time?' Direct students to discuss in small groups and share their ideas with the class.

Development

Duration: 60 to 65 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to allow students to deepen their knowledge about the Asian Tigers through practical and reflective activities. By researching, presenting, and discussing the economic and trade strategies of these countries, students will develop important skills such as critical analysis, oral presentation, and teamwork. In addition, the fixation exercises will help consolidate the knowledge acquired.

Covered Topics

1. History of the Asian Tigers
2. Economic policies and development strategies
3. International trade relations
4. Technological and industrial impact
5. Main trading partners

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how the economic policies adopted by the Asian Tigers influenced not only their local economies but also the global economy. Ask how these strategies could be applied to other developing countries and what possible adaptations would be necessary.

Mini Challenge

Mini Challenge: Simulation of Trade Relations

Students will be divided into groups, with each group representing one of the Asian Tigers (Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan). They will create a presentation about the trade strategies and economic policies of the country they represent, as well as identify their main trading partners and the products they export and import.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into four groups, assigning each group one of the Asian Tigers.
2. Ask each group to research the economic policies, export strategies, main trading partners, and exported/imported products of the country they represent.
3. Guide the groups to prepare a 5-minute presentation covering their findings.
4. Facilitate a question-and-answer session after each presentation, encouraging interaction and critical reflection.

Objective: Develop research, presentation, and critical analysis skills, in addition to understanding the trade and economic relations of the Asian Tigers.

Duration: 40 to 45 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. List three economic policies common to the Asian Tigers that contributed to their economic growth.
2. Explain how education and innovation were important for the development of these countries.
3. Identify the main trading partners of Hong Kong and describe the trade relationship between them.
4. How does semiconductor production in Taiwan impact the global digital economy?
5. Describe the role of companies like Samsung and LG in the economic growth of South Korea.

Conclusion

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to consolidate students' learning, promoting critical reflection on the content covered and its practical applications. By summarizing the main points, discussing their implications, and connecting theory to practice, it ensures that students understand the relevance of the topic for the job market and the global context.

Discussion

🗣️ Discussion: Facilitate an open discussion with the students about the main points addressed in the class. Ask how the economic strategies of the Asian Tigers could be applied to other developing countries and what challenges and adaptations would be necessary. Encourage students to reflect on how globalization and international trade relations influence their daily lives and the job market.

Summary

📚 Summary: Recap the main points of the lesson, including the history of the Asian Tigers, their economic policies, development strategies, trade relations, and the technological and industrial impact. Reinforce the importance of the main trading partners and the products that these countries export and import.

Closing

🔚 Closing: Explain how the lesson connected theory and practice through interactive and reflective activities. Highlight the relevance of the skills developed, such as research, presentation, and critical analysis, for the job market. Emphasize the importance of understanding global economic dynamics and how this can open professional opportunities in the future.