Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3, JSS 3)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 3
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Pre-Vocational Studies
Curriculum Theme: Home Economics
Previous Lesson: Factors and Steps in Preparing Family Budget
Topic: Decision Making
Subject Matter: Meaning of decision making, Steps in decision making

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Define decision making as the process of choosing between alternatives.
(b) Identify and explain the major steps involved in decision making.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the value of making wise and responsible decisions in daily life.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate the ability to apply decision-making steps in solving practical problems.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in groups to discuss situations requiring good decision making.

Reference Materials

The following resources was used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary School
Wikipedia – Decision-making
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Flashcards showing examples of decisions (good and bad)
Charts showing steps in decision making
Pictures of people making choices
Whiteboard and markers
Real-life scenarios for group discussion

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables pupils to understand how to make wise choices and decisions that affect their personal lives, education, and relationships positively.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have made simple decisions in their daily lives such as choosing friends, clothing, or what to eat, and can relate these experiences to the formal process of decision making.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Decision Making

Meaning of Decision Making

Decision making is the process of choosing the best option among different alternatives to solve a problem or achieve a goal. It involves thinking carefully and selecting the most suitable action that leads to a positive result.

The following are examples of situations that require decision making:

Choosing what subject to study in school.
Deciding how to spend pocket money.
Selecting friends or people to associate with.
Deciding when to study or play.
Choosing what to eat or wear.

Steps in Decision Making

Decision making is not done carelessly; it follows a logical process that helps one to make the best choice.

The following are the steps in decision making:

Identify the problem: Recognize and understand what needs to be decided.
Gather information: Collect facts or details about the problem and possible solutions.
Identify alternatives: List all possible choices or options available.
Weigh the alternatives: Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Choose the best alternative: Select the most suitable option after evaluation.
Take action: Implement or carry out the decision made.
Evaluate the decision: Review the result to know if the choice made was successful or if improvement is needed.

Importance of Good Decision Making

Making good decisions helps individuals to live responsibly and achieve their goals in life.

The following are the importance of good decision making:

It helps individuals make wise and thoughtful choices.
It promotes responsibility and independence.
It reduces mistakes and regrets.
It builds confidence and self-control.
It improves problem-solving skills.
It leads to success and personal satisfaction.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Lecture, Discussion, Explanation, Demonstration, Group Work, Question and Answer, Storytelling

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher narrates a short story about a student who had to choose between reading for an exam and watching a movie.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and discuss what decision the student should make.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of decision making through a relatable story.

Step 2: Explanation of Decision Making

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains the meaning of decision making and gives everyday examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and share examples of decisions they have made.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what decision making means.

Step 3: Steps in Decision Making

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher presents a chart showing steps in decision making and explains each step.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils study the chart, take notes, and discuss examples in small groups.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the stages involved in making decisions.

Step 4: Application of Decision Making

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher presents a real-life problem and guides pupils through the steps in decision making to solve it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate actively by suggesting alternatives and making choices.
Learning Point: Pupils apply the steps of decision making in solving practical problems.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes neatly into their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have a record of the main points of the lesson.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is decision making?
List and explain three steps in decision making.
Mention two importance of decision making.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions orally.
Learning Point: Pupils recall and demonstrate understanding of the lesson objectives.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to always make good decisions in all areas of their lives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions if any.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the need for responsible decision making.

Lesson Keywords

Decision – a choice made between two or more alternatives
Alternatives – possible options available to choose from
Evaluate – to judge or assess the result of a choice
Responsibility – being accountable for one’s actions
Problem-solving – finding solutions to challenges or difficulties

Differentiation

Teacher simplifies explanations for slow learners using practical examples, while fast learners are engaged in group discussions and role-plays on decision making.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to relate the lesson to real-life situations. Emphasize the importance of thinking before acting. Use practical and familiar examples to make the lesson engaging.