Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 3
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Civic Education
Curriculum Theme: National Values Education
Previous Lesson: Cultism: Prevention and Control.
Topic: CULTISM
Subject Matter: Reasons for establishing cults, reasons for joining cults

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define cultism in their own words.
State at least three reasons for the establishment of cult groups.
List at least four reasons why individuals join cults.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the dangers associated with cult membership.
Develop a negative attitude towards cultism and its practices.

Psychomotor Domain:

Discuss the various reasons for joining and establishing cults.
Identify situations that could lead to cult membership.

Promote positive peer relationships and avoid negative influences.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Civic Education.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School 1 Civic Education.
Macmillan Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts displaying reasons for establishing and joining cults.
Posters with anti-cult messages.
Civic Education textbook for SSS 1.
Whiteboard/chalkboard and markers/chalk.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the underlying reasons why cults are formed and why individuals, especially young people, might join them. Understanding these factors can enable pupils to make informed decisions and resist negative influences, promoting a safer school environment and society.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of social groups and may have heard about cultism from news or discussions in their communities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

CULTISM

Definition of Cultism

Cultism refers to membership of a secret society, especially in an educational institution, where members engage in unlawful, violent, and often destructive activities. These groups often have secret rites, symbols, and codes of conduct.

Reasons for Establishing Cults

The following are some reasons why cults are established:

To provide a sense of belonging or identity for members.
To gain power, influence, and control over others.
To protect members from external threats or rival groups.
To promote a specific ideology or belief system, however misguided.
To engage in criminal activities such as drug dealing, extortion, or political thuggery.

Reasons for Joining Cults

The following are some reasons why individuals, particularly young people, join cults:

Peer Pressure: Influence from friends or associates who are already members.
Search for Identity and Belonging: A desire to feel accepted and part of a group, especially among those who feel marginalized.
Quest for Power and Influence: The belief that cult membership will grant them authority, respect, or fear.
Protection: Seeking safety from bullying, harassment, or other perceived threats.
Financial Gain: Hope of making money through illicit activities associated with cults.
Curiosity: A desire to experience the unknown or forbidden.
Parental Background: Being influenced by family members who are involved in cult activities.
Unemployment and Poverty: Desperation driving individuals to seek any means of survival or advancement.

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 reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then asks pupils if they have heard about “cultism” and what they think it means. This leads to the new topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and share their initial thoughts on cultism.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are introduced to the lesson’s topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Cultism

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines cultism, explaining its characteristics such as secrecy, unlawful activities, and often violence. The teacher uses examples familiar to the pupils’ environment, if appropriate and safe, to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask clarifying questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning and nature of cultism.

Step 3: Discussion on Reasons for Establishing Cults

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Elucidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents and explains the various reasons why cult groups are established, using the prepared charts as visual aids. The teacher encourages pupils to discuss each reason.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts, contribute to the discussion, and write down the points.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the motives behind the formation of cults.

Step 4: Elaboration on Reasons for Joining Cults

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Interaction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher elaborates on the various reasons why individuals, especially young people, join cults. The teacher encourages pupils to share their opinions and relate to real-life scenarios (without naming individuals or specific incidents).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, share their thoughts, and identify with the reasons discussed.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the factors that push individuals towards cult membership.

Step 5: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define cultism in your own words.
State three reasons why cults are established.
List four reasons why individuals join cults.
Explain how the search for identity can lead someone to join a cult.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the negative consequences of cultism. The teacher encourages pupils to stay away from cult activities and influence others positively. Homework is assigned: “Research and write down three ways to resist peer pressure to join cults.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, ask final questions, and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to apply it.

Lesson Keywords

Cultism – Membership of a secret society, often involved in unlawful and violent acts.
Peer Pressure – Influence from one’s peer group to behave in a certain way.
Identity – The qualities, beliefs, personality, looks, and/or expressions that make a person.
Belonging – The feeling of being accepted and part of a group or community.
Power – The ability to influence or control the behaviour of people.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they will be encouraged to lead discussions and provide more detailed examples. For pupils who need additional support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations, use more visual aids, and pair them with stronger pupils for collaborative learning during discussions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should handle the topic of cultism with sensitivity, ensuring a safe and non-judgmental classroom environment. Encourage open discussion while maintaining control to prevent any glorification or identification with cult activities. Emphasize prevention and positive alternatives.