Economics · 6th Year

Active learning ideas

Measuring Economic Performance

Measuring economic performance is about more than just numbers; it's about understanding the health of a nation. This topic critiques standard measures like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP), particularly their limitations in the Irish context due to 'Leprechaun Economics' and MNC profit shifting. Students are introduced to GNI* (Modified Gross National Income), a measure specifically designed for Ireland.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Leaving Certificate Economics LO 5.1
• Leaving Certificate Economics LO 5.2

• 20–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 45 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: GDP vs. GNI*

Groups are given data sets for Ireland's GDP and GNI* over the last decade. They must create a chart showing the 'gap' and research one major event (like the 2015 GDP spike) that explains the difference.

Why is GNI* a more accurate measure of the Irish economy than GDP?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: What's Missing from GDP?

Students list five things that improve their quality of life but aren't counted in GDP (e.g., volunteering, clean air, leisure time). They discuss with a partner why these are excluded and how they could be measured.

What are the limitations of using national income to measure human well-being?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Stations Rotation
• 40 min · Small Groups

Stations Rotation: Economic Indicators

Stations cover: GDP, GNI*, Unemployment Rate, and Inflation. Students rotate to find the current Irish figure for each and explain what it tells us about the 'health' of the economy right now.

How does the shadow economy affect economic measurement?

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• A high GDP always means a country is wealthy and happy.

  GDP measures output, not well-being or wealth distribution. A 'standard of living' gallery walk comparing countries with similar GDPs but different social outcomes helps students see the difference.

• GDP and GNP are the same thing.

  GDP is what is produced *in* Ireland; GNP is what is produced *by* Irish-owned factors. Using a 'flow of funds' diagram helps students visualize how MNC profits leaving Ireland create the gap between the two.

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle
• Think-Pair-Share
• Stations Rotation