Objectives:

As a result of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. identify political orientations of each Nicaraguan in the case studies.
   
2. compile a list of problems facing Nicaragua based on the case studies.
   

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Material:

1. Student Handout: What Are the Major Issues Facing Nicaragua Today?
   
2. Student Handout: Summary Chart
   
3. Teacher Handout: Summary Chart: Key
   

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Activities:

1. Introduce the case studies explaining that the interviews were conducted with Nicaraguans from various socio-economic groups.
   
   
2. Divide students into small groups.
   
   a. Direct them to read and summarize the information from the case studies using the summary chart.
   
   
3. Pull the class back together to discuss the results.
   
   a. Ask students to analyze the chart and to point out the similarities and/or differences that it reveals.
   b. (Note: One of the most striking aspects is how similar the respondents' answers were despite differences in political orientation and socio-economic status.)
   
   
4. Concluding Activity
   
   a. Direct students to write a brief essay summarizing the significant challenges faced by the Nicaraguan people and comparing these challenges to those faced by people in their own community. What are the similarities and differences?
   

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