Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: Second Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Radio, Tv & Electronics
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Electronic Communication Systems: Definitions And Types.
Topic: ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Subject Matter: Block diagram, Stage operation, Stage functions

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define an electronic communication system.
Identify the main stages in the block diagram of an electronic communication system.
Explain the function of each stage in an electronic communication system.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of electronic communication in daily life.
Show interest in understanding how different communication systems work.

Psychomotor Domain:

Draw and label a block diagram of a basic electronic communication system.
Identify the various stages in a given block diagram of a communication system.

Collaborate with peers in discussing the components and functions of communication systems.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum (Senior Secondary Education, Radio, TV & Electronics)
State Unified Scheme of Work (Radio, TV & Electronics, SS1)
Radio, TV & Electronics for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Whiteboard
Marker
Printed block diagram of an electronic communication system

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how information is sent and received through electronic devices they use daily. Understanding communication systems is important for appreciating modern technology and for future studies in electronics.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of what communication is and some simple electronic components.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Definition of Electronic Communication System

An electronic communication system is a process by which information is exchanged between two or more points using electronic means. It involves converting information into an electrical signal, transmitting it over a medium, and converting it back into its original form at the receiving end.

Block Diagram of an Electronic Communication System

A typical electronic communication system can be represented by a block diagram showing its main functional stages. The general block diagram includes:

Information Source
Input Transducer
Transmitter
Communication Channel (or Medium)
Receiver
Output Transducer
Destination/Load

(Teacher draws and explains the block diagram on the board.)

Stage Operations and Functions

Each block in the communication system performs a specific function for successful information transfer. The functions of the main stages are:

Information Source: This is where the original message or information originates. It could be sound, picture, or data.
Input Transducer: This device converts the non-electrical information (e.g., sound, light) into an electrical signal. Examples include microphones (for sound) and cameras (for pictures).
Transmitter: The transmitter processes the electrical signal from the transducer to make it suitable for transmission over the channel. This processing may include modulation, amplification, and filtering.
Communication Channel (or Medium): This is the physical path through which the transmitted signal travels from the transmitter to the receiver. Examples include air (for radio waves), optical fibres, coaxial cables, and transmission lines.
Receiver: The receiver captures the signal from the channel and processes it to recover the original information. This involves demodulation, amplification, and filtering to remove noise.
Output Transducer: This device converts the electrical signal from the receiver back into its original non-electrical form (e.g., sound, light). Examples include loudspeakers (for sound) and display screens (for pictures).
Destination/Load: This is the final recipient of the recovered information, which could be a person or another device.

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 mention different ways people communicate with each other. The teacher then links their responses to electronic communication systems, stating the topic for the day.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the lesson topic and its relevance.

Step 2: Definition of Electronic Communication System

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines an electronic communication system and explains its purpose.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what an electronic communication system is.

Step 3: Block Diagram Presentation

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher draws a clear block diagram of a basic electronic communication system on the whiteboard and explains each major block briefly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the diagram, copy it into their notebooks, and label the components as guided by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and draw the block diagram of a communication system.

Step 4: Explaining Stage Functions (Part 1)

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Detailing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the functions of the Information Source, Input Transducer, and Transmitter stages, giving relevant examples for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the roles of the initial stages of a communication system.

Step 5: Explaining Stage Functions (Part 2)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Detailing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues by explaining the functions of the Communication Channel, Receiver, Output Transducer, and Destination/Load stages.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ensure their understanding of all stages.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the roles of the remaining stages of a communication system.

Step 6: Class Discussion and Clarification

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher opens the floor for questions and facilitates a brief discussion to reinforce understanding of the block diagram and stage functions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils ask questions and contribute to the discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils clarify any misconceptions and deepen their understanding.

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 an electronic communication system.
Draw a block diagram of a basic electronic communication system.
State four main stages of an electronic communication system.
Explain the function of the ‘Transmitter’ and ‘Receiver’ stages.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of electronic communication systems. The teacher then gives pupils homework: “List three examples of electronic communication systems used in Nigeria and briefly describe how they work.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for future topics.

Lesson Keywords

Electronic Communication System – A system for exchanging information using electronic signals.
Block Diagram – A simplified drawing showing the main components and flow of a system.
Transducer – A device that converts energy from one form to another.
Transmitter – The part of a communication system that sends out the processed signal.
Receiver – The part of a communication system that captures and processes the incoming signal.
Communication Channel – The medium through which signals travel.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to research different types of communication channels (e.g., wired vs. wireless). For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide a pre-drawn block diagram to label or offer simplified explanations for each stage.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure the block diagram is clearly drawn and labelled. Practical examples of communication systems (e.g., radio, television, mobile phones) should be used throughout the lesson to make the concepts relatable to pupils. Encourage pupils to ask questions to ensure full understanding of each stage’s function.