Trade Policy Challenges

Lesson Overview

This 90-minute lesson builds on students’ understanding of Canada’s role as a global trader by focusing specifically on government policies in response to contemporary trade challenges. Students will critically assess how Canadian government strategies address global economic issues such as trade disputes, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and international negotiations. The class is designed for 10 secondary students, including international learners primarily from China, with supports and extensions tailored to diverse needs.

Ontario Curriculum Alignment

This lesson aligns with the Ontario Curriculum, Grade 10 Canadian History and Geography strand, specifically under the Grade 10 Canadian History and Geography, 2023 curriculum expectations:

• Grade 10 Social Studies (CHC2D / CHC2P):
• Analyse the impact of government policies on Canada’s economic development and relations with other countries.
• Evaluate the influence of global economic issues on Canadian society and its international trade.
• Use social studies inquiry skills to evaluate sources and develop informed opinions on economic topics.

Learning Goals and Success Criteria

Learning Goals (I can statements)

• I can explain key Canadian government policies implemented to address trade challenges.
• I can analyse the effectiveness of these policies in tackling global economic issues.
• I can evaluate and communicate whether these strategies adequately protect Canadian interests in global trade.

Success Criteria

• I can identify at least three Canadian government policies connected to trade challenges.
• I can describe the main objectives and outcomes of each policy with supporting examples.
• I can assess the strengths and weaknesses of these policies through class discussions and written analysis.
• I can propose alternative or improved strategies with clear reasoning.

Materials and Resources

• Copies of current trade challenge summaries (e.g., tariffs, supply chain issues, trade agreements)
• Government statements and press releases on trade policy (adapted for accessibility)
• Chart paper or whiteboard for mind mapping
• Success criteria rubric for assessment and self-reflection
• Tablets/laptops for research (optional)
• Visual infographic templates for group presentations

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Lesson Activities and Timing

1. Warm-up and Introduction (15 minutes)

• Engage: Begin with a Think-Pair-Share question: "What are some current global economic issues affecting Canada’s trade?"
• Briefly review previous lessons on Canada’s global trade context.
• Introduce today’s focus: Government policies responding to trade challenges.
• State the learning goals and success criteria clearly, using “I can...” statements displayed visually.

2. Direct Instruction: Overview of Key Policies (20 minutes)

• Provide a concise mini-lecture on recent Canadian government policies and programs related to trade challenges such as:
• Trade dispute negotiations (e.g., with the US and China)
• Tariff adjustments and retaliatory tariffs
• Diversification of trade partners
• Support for supply chain resilience and innovation
• Use visuals like timelines, infographics, and maps to support understanding.
• Provide summary handouts with simplified language and key points for international learners.

3. Group Analysis Activity (30 minutes)

• Divide class into 3 groups (3 to 4 students each).
• Assign each group one policy area to analyze using guiding questions:
• What is the goal of this policy?
• How has it been implemented?
• What are the measurable effects or outcomes?
• What challenges or criticisms exist?
• Groups will use graphic organizers to organise findings.
• Encourage use of multiple sources including government publications and news excerpts (pre-selected for appropriateness).
• Teachers will circulate to support language needs and scaffold critical thinking with probing questions.

4. Presentation and Class Discussion (15 minutes)

• Each group presents their analysis using visual aids (charts, mind maps).
• Class discusses the effectiveness of each policy, comparing insights.
• Facilitate a whole-class evaluation: Which policies appear most successful? Why? What might be missing?

5. Extension Activity: Propose Alternatives (10 minutes)

• For advanced learners or fast finishers: Individually propose one alternative or additional government strategy to better address trade challenges.
• Include rationale and expected benefits.
• Share briefly with a partner or write a short paragraph.

6. Reflection and Assessment (10 minutes)

• Distribute success criteria rubric for students’ self-assessment on their understanding and contributions.
• Have students complete an exit ticket answering:
• “Which government policy do I think is most effective and why?”
• “What new idea or strategy would I propose for Canada’s trade challenges?”

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide glossaries or bilingual support for key trade terms.
• Use graphic organizers and guided questions to support comprehension and focus.
• Utilize multimedia visuals and videos for diverse learning styles.
• Pair stronger English speakers with English language learners for peer support.
• Offer sentence starters for discussion and writing activities.
• Scaffold presentations by allowing students to focus on specific content sections or act as visual illustrators.

Extension for Advanced Learners

• Research recent trade negotiations or emerging economic threats and prepare a mini-report.
• Debate the merits and drawbacks of protectionist versus free trade policies related to Canada.
• Design an infographic or digital presentation proposing innovative governmental trade policies aligned with global trends in sustainability or technology.

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This lesson not only deepens students’ understanding of government responses to trade challenges but also fosters critical evaluation and creativity in policy thinking, essential for their roles as informed global citizens under Ontario’s social studies expectations.