Contentment, Discipline and Their Effects on Society for JSS 2

Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Civic Education
Curriculum Theme: National Values
Previous Lesson: National Values and Contentment
Topic: National Values: Contentment and Discipline
Subject Matter: Meaning of discipline; Contentment and Discipline; Effects of lack of contentment on the society: corruption, greed, envy, theft, prostitution, robbery, cheating etc; Attributes of discipline: Self-control, moderation and modesty, respect for legitimate authority, etc; Role-play on the importance of contentment and discipline in any society

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define discipline.
• Describe contentment.
• State the effects of lack of contentment on society.
• Explain the effects of lack of contentment on society with relevant examples.
• Identify the attributes of discipline.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of contentment and discipline in any society.
• Develop a desire to practice self-control and moderation.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate understanding of contentment and discipline through role-play.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts showing examples of disciplined individuals.
• Pictures depicting effects of lack of contentment (e.g., corruption, theft).
• Role-play scenarios on contentment and discipline.
• Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it helps students understand fundamental national values that promote peace, order, and progress in society. By learning about contentment and discipline, students can develop positive character traits and contribute to a better community. It also equips them to identify and avoid behaviours that undermine societal well-being.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of what values are and some general rules of good conduct in society.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

National Values: Contentment and Discipline

Meaning of Discipline

Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience. It involves self-control and adherence to established norms for personal and societal well-being.

Contentment and Discipline

Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction with what one has, without desiring more. It is closely linked to discipline because a disciplined person can control their desires and avoid greed, leading to contentment. Contentment fosters peace of mind and discourages negative behaviours driven by insatiable wants.

Effects of Lack of Contentment on Society

When individuals lack contentment, they often develop excessive desires and dissatisfaction, leading to various negative effects on society:

1. Corruption: This involves dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery. For example, a public official demanding money to perform a duty they are paid for.
2. Greed: An intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. For instance, a business owner hoarding essential goods to sell at inflated prices during a crisis.
3. Envy: A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck. For example, a student trying to sabotage a classmate’s success out of jealousy.
4. Theft: The act of stealing another person’s property. For instance, picking someone’s pocket or shoplifting.
5. Prostitution: The practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment. This often arises from a desire for quick money or material possessions.
6. Robbery: The action of taking property unlawfully from a person or place by force or threat of force. For example, armed individuals breaking into a bank.
7. Cheating: Acting dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage. For instance, copying during an examination or falsifying records.

Attributes of Discipline

Discipline is characterised by several key attributes:

1. Self-control: The ability to control one’s emotions, desires, and actions, especially in difficult situations.
2. Moderation and Modesty: Avoiding extremes in behaviour, consumption, or expression, and having a humble opinion of one’s own importance.
3. Respect for Legitimate Authority: Acknowledging and obeying those in positions of rightful power or leadership, such as parents, teachers, and government officials.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Role-play, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to mention some good behaviours expected from students in school and at home. The teacher then introduces the topic: “National Values: Contentment and Discipline.”

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond by mentioning behaviours like obeying teachers, being polite, not fighting, etc.

Learning Point: Introduction to national values

Step 2: Meaning of Discipline

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of discipline, providing simple examples of disciplined behaviour in daily life (e.g., following school rules, keeping time). The teacher asks students for their own examples.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, ask questions, and offer examples of discipline.

Learning Point: Definition of discipline

Step 3: Contentment and Discipline

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining concepts

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains contentment as being satisfied with what one has and discusses how discipline helps in achieving contentment by controlling desires. The teacher gives examples of contented individuals.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and discuss the relationship between contentment and discipline.

Learning Point: Contentment and its link to discipline

Step 4: Effects of Lack of Contentment (Part 1)

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Illustrative explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the first set of effects of lack of contentment: corruption, greed, and envy, providing clear, relatable examples for each. The teacher uses charts or pictures if available.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, ask questions, and identify examples from their community or media.

Learning Point: Negative societal effects (corruption, greed, envy)

Step 5: Effects of Lack of Contentment (Part 2)

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Further explanation with examples

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues by explaining the remaining effects: theft, prostitution, robbery, and cheating, providing examples for each. The teacher encourages students to discuss how these actions harm society.

Pupils’ Activity: Students participate in the discussion, sharing their understanding of the various effects.

Learning Point: More negative societal effects (theft, prostitution, robbery, cheating)

Step 6: Attributes of Discipline / Role-play

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Interactive learning/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the attributes of discipline: self-control, moderation and modesty, and respect for legitimate authority. The teacher then guides students to perform a short role-play demonstrating the importance of contentment and discipline in a given scenario.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the attributes and then volunteer or are selected to participate in the role-play.

Learning Point: Attributes of discipline, importance of values

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

1. What is discipline?
2. How does contentment relate to discipline?
3. Mention three effects of lack of contentment on society.
4. Give an example of self-control.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning of discipline, contentment, effects of lack of contentment, and attributes of discipline into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating that contentment and discipline are crucial for individual well-being and a peaceful, progressive society. The teacher encourages students to practice these values daily.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the importance of the values discussed.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of key concepts

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your Civic Education notebook.

1. Explain in your own words what it means to be contented.
2. List and explain any three attributes of a disciplined person.
3. Describe a situation where lack of contentment led to a negative outcome in your community or from a news report.

Lesson Keywords

• Discipline – The practice of training people to obey rules and a code of behaviour.
• Contentment – A state of happiness and satisfaction with what one has.
• Corruption – Dishonest conduct by those in power, often involving bribery.
• Greed – An intense and selfish desire for wealth, power, or possessions.
• Envy – Resentful longing for someone else’s possessions or qualities.
• Theft – The act of stealing property.
• Self-control – The ability to control one’s emotions and desires.
• Moderation – Avoiding extremes in behaviour or consumption.
• Legitimate Authority – Rightful power or leadership.

Differentiation

For struggling learners: Provide simplified definitions and more basic examples. Pair them with stronger students for the role-play. Focus on identifying just two effects of lack of contentment.

For advanced learners: Encourage them to elaborate on the long-term societal impacts of lack of contentment. Ask them to suggest practical ways to promote contentment and discipline in their school or community. Challenge them to lead the role-play activity.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for: “Importance of discipline in society JSS 2”, “Contentment and its benefits Civic Education”