(May 2009)  Students need to be connected members of the community. This involves an understanding of their role as stakeholders. This is a small unit of work which offers a good example for changing how we teach rather than what we teach. Students have a great deal of prior knowledge to bring to this topic. An awareness of sustainability and socially responsible business is desirable in our learners, and this unit is a building block of that awareness. It also empowers learners as they understand that their views have standing in the discussion around business activities etc.  Authors:  Nick Kearns and Narelle Stone

(May 2009)  Decision-making is an important aspect for producing confident learners. The ability to consider qualitative and quantitative information in decision-making is necessary and develops critical thinking. Most teachers use this topic for Junior Enterprise/Business because it allows them to use a current achievement standard (Economics 1.6) with their classes. Under the new NZC we would suggest that we want to go for greater depth and not greater breadth. This is an example of a good area for a cross-curricular activity i.e. it could be used in conjunction with Science when looking at a topic like biofuels. The students enjoy the skill development through practising calculations and comparing results. It offers a series of routine tasks which are good for peer teaching, allows time to move around the room etc.  Authors:  Nick Kearns and Narelle Stone