Collaboration:

Students will discuss wage trade while working in small groups (if a large class) or as an entire class.

Civil conversation and conflict resolution:

Students will learn how to listen, understand and respect one another’s views, especially when there are differences of opinion and background.

Research and analysis:

Students will have a deeper understanding of the different perspectives on trade, including their own, their classmates, and the country at large, through researching the topic across biases and discussing.

See how this program complies with Common Core standards.

Topic Page

The Trade Topic Page on AllSides will give your students a good understanding of the background of this issue. AllSides Topic pages provide background information, current news and opinions, think tanks and more.

Think Tank Search

The Think Tank Search on AllSides allows you to search through Think Tanks that represent different political perspectives.

Participate in an Online Dialog:

• The TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) should be ratified. Do you agree or disagree? Share your opinion.
• Have a specific question for students to discuss online? Email us to start a new Classroom Dialog.

Organizations:

• World Trade Organization
• World Bank Organization
• Why the U.S. needs the World Trade Organization – Washington Post
• The benefits of TPP – International Trade Administration
• 8 Terrible Things About the Trans-Pacific Partnership – InTheseTimes

This can be done as a single class or over several class periods. Extending the lesson will allow for more in depth understanding.

Homework Prior to Class

• Students will spend 10-20 min looking at the most recent news about Trade from different perspectives.
• Students should read the Washington Post’s take on why the US needs the World Trade Org and explore the organization’s website before class.
• Optional: If discussing the TPP, have students explore the benefits and the drawbacks.

In Class

Optional based on class size:

Teacher divides students into small groups, preferably a mix of biases. (Have students complete a simple bias quiz for homework 2 days prior so the Teacher has a chance to evaluate if similar has never been conducted previously.)

History:

• How has the nature of trade changed over time?
• How has the nature of trade stayed the same?
• What are some things that remain consistent regardless of the situation?

International Trade:

• What do nations gain by trading internationally? What do they/can they lose (potentially)?
• What can be done about the possible negative outcomes?
• Why do countries regulate trade? How do they regulate trade?

TPP:

• What do you know or have you heard about the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)?
• How does this influence your support or opposition to TPP?

Deeper Meaning questions:

• Have you or someone you know been impacted by a trade agreement? What happened?
• How would you like to see trade agreements negotiated for the USA?
• Where is this issue on your top-10 list? Why?

Final Questions to pose to students, either as homework or just as a wrap up:

• What is one important thing you thought was accomplished here?
• Is there a next step you would like to take based upon the conversation you just had?