Global Development: Measuring the Gap
This lesson introduces Year 8 students to the concept of global development. It explores how we measure the 'gap' between rich and poor nations using various indicators, moving beyond simple wealth to look at quality of life through the Human Development Index (HDI). Students will learn to classify countries as HICs, NEEs, and LICs.
Learning objectives
- Define the term 'development' and distinguish between economic and social indicators.
- Explain why the Human Development Index (HDI) is a more effective measure than GNI per capita alone.
- Categorise countries into HICs, NEEs, and LICs using specific data examples.
- Identify the barriers that prevent countries from developing (the 'development gap').
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 5 min
Do Now: List 5 things that make a country a 'good' place to live. Class discussion on what 'development' means.
Teaching · 15 min
Teacher Explainer: Introducing the Development Gap, HIC/NEE/LIC classifications, and HDI vs GNI.
Guided Practice · 5 min
Worked Example: Students follow the teacher to calculate a simple development rank based on a data table.
Independent Practice · 20 min
Differentiated Worksheet Tasks: Students work through Support, Core, or Stretch worksheets based on ability.
Feedback · 5 min
Self-Marking: Reviewing worksheet answers as a class.
Assessment · 10 min
Plenary: Multiple-choice quiz to check understanding.
Key vocabulary
- Development
- The standard of living and quality of life in a country.
- HIC (High Income Country)
- A country with high wealth and high quality of life (e.g. UK).
- NEE (Newly Emerging Economy)
- A country where the economy is growing rapidly (e.g. Brazil).
- LIC (Low Income Country)
- A country with low wealth and poor quality of life (e.g. Chad).
- GNI per capita
- The total wealth of a country divided by its population.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- Explain what is meant by the term 'development'.
- What is the HDI and why do geographers prefer it to using just GNI per capita?
- What is an NEE? Give one example of a country that fits this category.
- Why might a country have a high GNI per capita but still have many poor people?
Quiz (sample)
1. What does 'development' mean in Geography?
- A. The total amount of money a country makes
- B. The standard of living and quality of life of people
- C. The size of a country's army
- D. The number of people living in a city
2. Which of these is an economic indicator of development?
- A. Gross National Income per capita
- B. Life Expectancy
- C. Literacy Rate
- D. Number of doctors per 1000 people
3. Why is the Human Development Index (HDI) a good measure?
- A. It only measures how much money people earn
- B. It is easier to calculate than GNI
- C. It uses both economic and social data to give a broader view
- D. It only looks at the environment
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