Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Health Education
Previous Lesson: Human Sexuality Education.
Topic: ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Subject Matter: Meaning of assertive skills, meaning of communication skills, attributes of communication skills, differences between assertive and communication skills in human sexuality contexts, role play of assertive communication.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define communication skills.
State at least three attributes of effective communication skills.
Define assertive skills.
Differentiate between assertive and non-assertive communication skills in human sexuality contexts.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of assertive communication in personal relationships.
Recognize situations where assertive communication is needed.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate assertive communication through role play.

Interact respectfully with peers during role-play exercises.
Collaborate effectively in group activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Health Education SSS 1.
Adeleke, B.O. (2019). Senior Secondary Health Education for SSS 1-3. Ibadan: University Press PLC.
World Health Organization Life Skills Education
UNICEF Life Skills Based Education

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Posters illustrating assertive communication skills.
Charts showing examples of assertive and non-assertive responses.
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to express themselves clearly and respectfully. Learning assertive communication skills enables pupils to make informed decisions and protect their well-being, especially in sensitive situations like human sexuality, without being aggressive or passive.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of what communication means in everyday life.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Meaning of Communication Skills

Communication skills refer to the ability to convey information to others effectively and efficiently. It involves listening, speaking, observing, and empathizing.

Attributes of Effective Communication Skills

The following are attributes of effective communication skills:

Clear and concise messaging.
Active listening.
Empathy and understanding.
Appropriate body language and eye contact.
Respect for the other person’s views.

Meaning of Assertive Skills

Assertive skills refer to the ability to express one’s feelings, needs, and rights directly, honestly, and appropriately, without violating the rights of others. It is about standing up for oneself while respecting others.

Differences Between Assertive and Communication Skills in Human Sexuality Contexts

The following are differences between assertive and communication skills:

Communication Skills: A broader term encompassing all forms of conveying messages. In human sexuality, it involves discussing feelings, boundaries, and consent generally.
Assertive Skills: A specific type of communication where an individual expresses personal boundaries, desires, and limits clearly and firmly, especially in situations requiring a “yes” or “no” response regarding sexual health and consent.

Importance of Assertive Communication in Human Sexuality

The following are reasons why assertive communication is important in human sexuality:

Helps individuals to state their boundaries and limits clearly.
Enables individuals to refuse unwanted sexual advances without fear or guilt.
Promotes respect and mutual understanding in relationships.
Reduces the risk of coercion and exploitation.
Empowers individuals to make healthy choices about their bodies and relationships.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to share what they understand by “telling someone no” or “speaking up for themselves.” The teacher then introduces the topic: Assertive Communication Skills.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and the lesson topic is introduced.

Step 2: Presentation of Communication Skills

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines communication skills and explains its attributes using a chart. The teacher asks pupils to give examples of good and bad communication.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and contribute examples.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning and attributes of communication skills.

Step 3: Presentation of Assertive Skills

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines assertive skills and differentiates it from aggressive and passive behaviour. The teacher uses posters to illustrate different communication styles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the posters, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of assertive skills and its distinction from other communication styles.

Step 4: Differentiating Assertive and Communication Skills

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Comparison/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the differences between general communication skills and specific assertive skills, especially in the context of human sexuality, providing clear examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, compare the concepts, and note down the key differences.
Learning Point: Pupils can differentiate between general communication and assertive communication.

Step 5: Importance of Assertive Communication

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the importance of assertive communication, particularly in making healthy choices related to human sexuality, and encourages pupils to share their thoughts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, sharing their views on why being assertive is important.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the value and benefits of assertive communication.

Step 6: Role Play Preparation

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and gives them scenarios related to human sexuality where assertive communication is needed (e.g., refusing unwanted touch, stating boundaries, discussing consent). The teacher guides them on how to role-play effectively.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils form groups, receive scenarios, and prepare for role-playing.
Learning Point: Pupils prepare to apply assertive communication skills practically.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define communication skills.
Mention three attributes of effective communication.
What are assertive skills?
State two differences between assertive and general communication skills in human sexuality contexts.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of using assertive skills in daily life. The teacher then gives homework: “Write down three situations from your daily life where you could use assertive communication.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded, and pupils are given an activity to reinforce learning.

Lesson Keywords

Assertive – Expressing one’s views clearly and respectfully without being aggressive or passive.
Communication – The process of conveying information, ideas, or feelings from one person to another.
Non-assertive – Failing to express one’s feelings or needs, often leading to being taken advantage of.
Aggressive – Expressing one’s needs or feelings in a way that is hostile or disregards the rights of others.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be encouraged to create additional complex scenarios for role-play. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified scenarios and more direct guidance during the role-play preparation and execution, ensuring they participate in less complex roles.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage an open and respectful classroom environment during discussions on human sexuality to ensure pupils feel comfortable asking questions and participating in role-play. Emphasize that assertive communication is a life skill that requires practice.