Plano de aula de MERCOSUR: Introduction

Objectives (5 - 10 minutes)

1. Understand the formation and objectives of MERCOSUR: Students should be able to understand the origin of MERCOSUR, the countries that make it up, and the main objectives of this customs union. This includes understanding the trade, political, and social agreements that have been established between the member countries.

2. Analyze the role of MERCOSUR in the global economy: Students should be able to assess the importance of MERCOSUR in the international economic scenario. This includes discussing the impacts of MERCOSUR on the economy of the member countries and the influence of these countries on global trade.

3. Discuss the benefits and challenges of MERCOSUR: Students should be able to identify the benefits and challenges of participating in MERCOSUR. This includes considering the economic, political, and social advantages, as well as the possible conflicts or difficulties that may arise due to the customs union.

Secondary objectives:

• Stimulate critical thinking: When discussing the benefits and challenges of MERCOSUR, students should be encouraged to develop their critical thinking skills, evaluating different perspectives and forming their own opinions.

• Promote cooperation: By learning about a customs union based on cooperation between countries, students should be encouraged to reflect on the importance of cooperation in different contexts, including international relations.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

1. Review of previous content: The teacher should start the class by briefly recalling the concepts of economic blocs and customs unions, which were previously discussed in previous classes. He can ask students to share what they remember about these concepts, promoting active participation and interaction.

2. Problem situation: The teacher may present two situations involving MERCOSUR that encourage students to think about the subject of the class. For example:

   • "Imagine you are a Brazilian businessman who wants to export your products to Argentina. What advantages would you have if both countries were part of MERCOSUR?"
   • "Suppose that a member country of MERCOSUR is facing an economic crisis. How could this situation affect the other member countries?"

3. Contextualization: The teacher can then explain the importance of MERCOSUR in the Latin American and world context. He can mention the relevance of the bloc for trade, regional integration, political cooperation, and geopolitical influence.

4. Introduction to the topic: To arouse students' interest, the teacher can share some curiosities or historical facts about MERCOSUR. For example:

   • "Did you know that MERCOSUR was created as a response to the democratic opening in Latin America in the 1980s and 1990s, and to the need to strengthen the regional economy to compete in the global market?"
   • "Did you know that MERCOSUR was the first economic bloc in the world to have a free trade agreement with the European Union? This agreement, called the Mercosur-EU Agreement, is considered one of the most ambitious ever negotiated by both blocs."

The teacher should make sure that all students have a basic understanding of the topic and are engaged in the class before proceeding to the next step.

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

1. Theory - What is MERCOSUR? (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher should start by explaining the concept of MERCOSUR as a customs union formed by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with Venezuela currently suspended.
   • He should emphasize that MERCOSUR is an intergovernmental organization that aims to promote economic, political, social, and cultural integration among its members.
   • It is important that the teacher discusses the main objectives of MERCOSUR, which include the free movement of goods, services, and factors of production among the member countries, the creation of a common market, the coordination of macroeconomic policies, and joint negotiation in international forums.
   • The teacher should emphasize that, despite the goal of integration, the member countries of MERCOSUR maintain their sovereignty and independence.

2. Theory - The formation and evolution of MERCOSUR (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher should explain how MERCOSUR was formed in 1991, with the signing of the Treaty of Asunción. He should discuss the political and economic context of the time and the reason why the countries decided to form this customs union.
   • It is important that the teacher discusses the evolution of MERCOSUR over time, mentioning the entry of new members (Venezuela, which is currently suspended, and the associate membership of Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname), the creation of institutions such as the MERCOSUR Secretariat and the Permanent Review Tribunal, and the signing of agreements with other economic blocs and countries.
   • The teacher should also discuss the challenges and conflicts that MERCOSUR has faced throughout its history, such as the suspension of Venezuela, the divergences between members on foreign policy and deep integration, and the economic crisis that affected several member countries.

3. Theory - The role of MERCOSUR in the global economy (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher should discuss the importance of MERCOSUR in the global economy, explaining that, together, the member countries represent one of the largest economies in the world.
   • He should mention intra-MERCOSUR trade, the attraction of foreign investment, and the influence on the formation of regional economic blocs.
   • The teacher should also discuss the impacts of MERCOSUR on the economy of the member countries, highlighting the benefits and challenges of this participation.

4. Discussion - Benefits and challenges of MERCOSUR (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher should promote a classroom discussion on the benefits and challenges of participating in MERCOSUR. He should encourage students to express their opinions and consider different perspectives.
   • The teacher should guide the discussion, asking questions that encourage students to think critically and apply what they have learned. For example, he might ask: "What are the benefits of MERCOSUR for your country's economy? And what are the main challenges your country faces as a member of MERCOSUR?"
   • The teacher should conclude the activity by highlighting the importance of MERCOSUR for regional integration, international cooperation, and the economic and social development of the member countries.

The teacher should ensure that all students have the opportunity to actively participate in the class, clarifying doubts and expressing their opinions. He should also monitor the time and ensure that all planned topics are covered.

Feedback (10 - 15 minutes)

1. Connection with the real world: The teacher should propose a final reflection, connecting the content learned with the students' reality. (3 - 5 minutes)

   • He can start by asking students how they believe MERCOSUR affects their lives. This can lead to a discussion about the possibility of traveling, studying, or working in other member countries, the influence of regional trade on the country's economy, and the importance of cooperation between nations.
   • The teacher can then propose a practical activity, such as simulating a trade negotiation between MERCOSUR member countries. This can help students better understand the challenges and benefits of participating in the bloc.

2. Content review: The teacher should review the main points discussed during the class, reinforcing the most important concepts and clarifying any remaining doubts. (2 - 3 minutes)

   • He can do this interactively, asking students to summarize what they have learned in their own words or answer some review questions.

3. Individual reflection: The teacher should propose that students reflect for a minute on what they have learned in class. (1 minute)

   • He can ask questions like: "What was the most important concept you learned today?" and "What questions have not yet been answered?".
   • Students should be encouraged to write down their answers, which can be shared with the class or used to guide self-study.

4. Feedback and clarification of doubts: Finally, the teacher should open a space for students to give feedback on the class and clarify any doubts they may still have. (3 - 5 minutes)

   • The teacher should encourage students to express their opinions, comment on what they liked most about the class, and suggest improvements for future classes.
   • He should also answer all remaining questions and clarify any doubts, ensuring that students have a clear understanding of the content.

The teacher should conclude the class positively, reinforcing the importance of the content learned and encouraging students to continue exploring the topic. He should also ensure that students know where to find more resources and information about MERCOSUR, if they wish to learn more.

Conclusion (5 - 10 minutes)

1. Summary of the main content: The teacher should recap the main points of the class, reiterating the concept and objectives of MERCOSUR, its formation and evolution, its role in the global economy, and the benefits and challenges of its participation. He should ensure that students have understood the fundamental concepts and are aware of the most relevant aspects of MERCOSUR. (2 - 3 minutes)

2. Connection between theory, practice, and applications: The teacher should explain how the class connected theory (the formation and objectives of MERCOSUR), practice (the discussion about the role of MERCOSUR in the global economy), and applications (the reflection on the benefits and challenges of MERCOSUR). He should emphasize that theoretical knowledge is important to understand practice and applications, and that applications help make theoretical knowledge more relevant and meaningful. (1 - 2 minutes)

3. Extra materials: The teacher should suggest additional materials for students who want to deepen their knowledge of MERCOSUR. These may include books, articles, documentaries, websites of international organizations, and online educational resources. For example, the teacher might suggest reading the Treaty of Asunción, which established MERCOSUR, or viewing videos about the functioning of MERCOSUR. He should ensure that the suggested materials are appropriate for the students' level of understanding and are aligned with the objectives of the curriculum. (1 - 2 minutes)

4. Importance of MERCOSUR in everyday life: Finally, the teacher should emphasize the relevance of MERCOSUR to students' daily lives. He might, for example, mention the influence of MERCOSUR on the economy and trade of their countries, the possibility of traveling, studying, or working in other member countries, or the importance of cooperation between nations for solving global problems. The teacher should encourage students to reflect on these issues and make connections between what they learned in class and their own lives. (1 - 2 minutes)

The teacher should conclude the class in a positive way, reinforcing the importance of MERCOSUR for regional integration, international cooperation, and the economic and social development of the member countries. He should also motivate students to continue learning about MERCOSUR and applying what they have learned in their daily lives.