Background material for teachers and learning activities for secondary students dealing with the growth policies of developing countries are included in this guide, one in a series intended to help students learn to view society and its problems from both economic and political perspectives. Following the guide's introduction, which provides a general explanation of the conceptual framework used throughout the series for analysis of public issues, there are two major sections. The first section, "Topic Overview," presents teachers with background information on economic and political issues that confront developing countries. The second section offers six self-contained learning activities. Students learn to distinguish between developed and developing nations, use statistical indicators to measure economic development, analyze scenarios and make economic decisions that affect their lives, describe changes that countries must undergo to increase food production, and analyze and discuss factors affecting population growth. All student handouts are included. (RM)