A level Business Studies - Some great lessons

At the end of the year, it is interesting to ask the students which lessons they still remember. The answer, of course, is the 'special lessons' that appealed to their emotions and sense of personal identity. In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell (2000) explains the idea of 'stickiness' – the distinctive ingredient in a message that makes it 'stick' to its recipients.

Teachers can give concepts that 'emotional velcro' through simulations, role play and games, making sure that what is learned does not dissolve – or disappear into the teenage 'trash-can' of unwanted information! Meanwhile, working through a challenge as a group and using intellect and emotions together in uncovering a concept, can lead to much deeper understanding with a far greater sense of ownership. It can also bring a certain magic to any scheme of work!

The documents for download comprise engaging lesson ideas, teacher guidance and resources to cover the follow:

  • developing appropriate questioning techniques
  • business activity
  • opportunity cost through the concept of 'next best'
  • gearing
  • marketing
  • the costs involve in running a car which also addresses depcreciation and could be used for personal financial education
  • strategy modelling
  • budget, including variance
  • process of identifying target markets

 

Contributed by Stephen Barnes