EU trade patterns analysis

Activity title

EU trade patterns analysis

Overview

The purpose of this lesson is to guide students into economic perspective of international trade in context of European cooperation and competition. The lesson is based on free available resources provided by Eurostat. Students analyze state of the EU trade in various ways and changes that occur during chosen period of time. 

It is a knowledge-based type of learning which is combined with analytical skills development. The learning scenario improves students’ critical thinking skills, good communication skills and use of ICT resources.

Objectives

The objective is to introduce concepts of European cooperation and competition in economics. This learning scenario should create an educational experience which reflect a complexity of economy in a real world.

Materials

Computers with Internet access and preferably spreadsheet software (Ms Excel)

Time

1. Teachers presentation: 90 min
2. Students individual analysis: 60 min
3. Students presentation: 30 min
4. Discussion: 30 min
5. Final thoughts description: 30 min

Introductory requirements

The level of economic knowledge needed for this lesson depends on planned depth of analysis. For introductory level understanding of common economic concepts like GDP, export, import is required.

Limitations

For the purpose of workshop simple analysis of trade is used to illustrate cooperation and competition issues. However international trade is a matter of an advanced level of study in economics which require significant amount of time and effort. This analysis is limited both in theory and analysis scope. The analysis focus only on the balance of trade (exports and imports) and does not include balance of payment investigation nor exchange-rate impact. Therefore workshop should be treated only as an introduction to the subject.

Group size

10-15

Instructions for trainers

1. At the beginning general trade theory and the EU economic position in the world should be presented.
2. Students should individually analyze trade in their chosen countries using the Eurostat resources and present a description of their work. They are asked to examine exports, imports, 1-5 top trade partners and balance of trade.
3. Students can also individually analyze trade patterns (changes in longer period of time like 5-10 years or between selected countries). 
4. After identifying and analyzing different trading patterns students should present their discoveries. Next they should discuss if presented results provide confirmation of economic cooperation and/or competition in the EU.

Debriefing and evaluation

After discussion students should write down their opinion on the subject (up to 500 words). They should answer what they have learned and if their opinion about benefits of international trade and its economic effects on cooperation and competition has changed after workshops.

Tips for trainers

Like many relevant subjects linked to economics and politics the subject of economic cooperation and competition in context of international trade may be controversial. Trainers should be aware that some people may have a strong opinion about the subject of economic cooperation and competition and/or emotionally engage in discussion.