Computer-based Lesson - Creating a Budget by Amy Hanson

Title:                     Creating a Budget

Learner Level:     Intermediate Computers/Advanced English

Pre-Instruction: 

Students should already have some experience practicing entering labels, data, and formulas using Excel.  Also, review the vocabulary used in the Budget.

Duration:             2 hours

Materials:          

Computers, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, CDs or flash drive to save, printer, projector

Two Handouts: Excel Reference & Budget Handout

Objectives:         

To have students understand how a budget works and create their own using Microsoft Excel then reflect on their learning experience in writing. 

Procedure: 

1.      Teacher reviews how to use Excel and goes over vocabulary used for a budget.

2.      Teacher demonstrates how to make a budget spreadsheet using projector.

3.      Students create their own budget with help of peers and teacher.  Print and save their work so they can use it at home. 

4.      Type 2 paragraphs about their learning experience (may be homework). 

                           1^st paragraph:  Describe how they did the activity.

                           2^nd paragraph:  Say what they learned in the lesson. 

Evaluation:

There will be informal evaluation from the teacher during the activity.  Then the actual budget they create and their reflections on the lesson can also be used to measure what the students learned.