Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Christian Attitude Towards Persecution I.
Topic: Impartiality
Subject Matter: meaning of impartiality, equality of human beings before God, warning against prejudice, instances of partiality in society, need to treat everyone equally

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define impartiality.
Explain the concept of equality of human beings before God.
State reasons why prejudice should be avoided.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of treating everyone equally.
Condemn acts of partiality and prejudice in society.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify instances of partiality in their environment.
Demonstrate impartial behaviour in their daily interactions.

Discuss the impact of partiality on community harmony.
Advocate for fair treatment of all individuals.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Christian Religion Studies.
Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Christian Religion Studies SSS 1.
Christian Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1.
Holy Bible (e.g., Acts 10:34-35, Romans 2:11).

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Video of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Picture of doctors and nurses treating patients.
Holy Bible.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand what it means to be impartial and why it is important to treat everyone fairly. It enables them to see how partiality can cause problems in society and how living impartially reflects God’s will for humanity.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of fairness, justice, and the concept of God’s love from their homes, religious teachings, and communities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Impartiality

Meaning of Impartiality

Impartiality means treating all people equally and fairly, without favouritism or bias. It involves making decisions or judgments based on facts and principles, rather than on personal feelings, relationships, or characteristics of individuals.

Equality of Human Beings Before God

The Christian faith teaches that all human beings are created in God’s image and are equal in His sight. God shows no partiality; He loves and judges everyone justly, regardless of their background, wealth, status, or tribe. (Acts 10:34-35, Romans 2:11).

Warning Against Prejudice

Prejudice is a preconceived opinion, often unfavourable, formed without actual knowledge or reason. It involves judging individuals or groups unfairly based on stereotypes, rather than on their individual merits.

The Bible warns against prejudice because:

It contradicts God’s nature of impartiality.
It leads to discrimination and injustice.
It damages relationships and communities.
It can lead to conflict and disunity.

Instances of Partiality in Society

Partiality can be seen in various aspects of society, such as:

Favouring wealthy individuals over the poor in legal matters.
Giving preferential treatment based on tribe or religion.
Discrimination based on gender, social status, or physical appearance.
Teachers favouring certain students over others.
Parents showing clear favouritism among their children.

Need to Treat Everyone Equally

It is important to treat everyone equally because:

It reflects God’s character and command.
It promotes peace and unity in society.
It ensures justice and fairness for all.
It builds trust and respect among people.
It helps to create a harmonious and stable community.

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 reflect on situations where they felt treated unfairly or saw someone else being treated unfairly. The teacher then introduces the topic of impartiality.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their experiences and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand its relevance.

Step 2: Meaning of Impartiality

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines impartiality, explaining that it means treating everyone equally without favouritism. The teacher provides simple examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and offer their understanding of the term.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of impartiality.

Step 3: Equality of Human Beings Before God

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Biblical Exposition/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that all humans are equal before God, who shows no partiality. The teacher reads relevant Bible passages such as Acts 10:34-35 and Romans 2:11 to support this point.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation and Bible readings, and discuss what it means to be equal in God’s sight.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the Christian perspective on human equality before God.

Step 4: Warning Against Prejudice

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines prejudice and explains why it is wrong and goes against the principle of impartiality. The teacher mentions some consequences of prejudice.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss what prejudice means and identify situations where it might occur.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what prejudice is and why it should be avoided.

Step 5: Instances of Partiality in Society

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows the video of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the picture of doctors and nurses treating patients. The teacher then leads a discussion on how partiality is seen in society and how it contrasts with the examples shown.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the visuals and mention different instances of partiality they have observed or heard about in society.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify real-life examples of partiality and impartiality.

Step 6: Need to Treat Everyone Equally

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of treating everyone equally, linking it to peace, justice, and reflecting God’s character. The teacher encourages pupils to contribute their own reasons.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their thoughts on why equal treatment is essential for a harmonious society.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the benefits of treating everyone equally.

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 impartiality.
State two reasons why all human beings are equal before God.
Mention three instances of partiality you might observe in society.
Explain why it is important to treat everyone equally.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and assigns homework: “List five ways you can show impartiality in your school and community.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the homework and ask any final questions.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and apply it to their lives.

Lesson Keywords

Impartiality – Treating all people equally and fairly, without favouritism or bias.
Prejudice – A preconceived opinion, often unfavourable, formed without actual knowledge or reason.
Equality – The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities.
Fairness – Impartial and just treatment or behaviour without favouritism or discrimination.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be encouraged to research biblical characters who demonstrated impartiality or partiality and present their findings. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified examples and focused questions during discussions, ensuring they participate and understand the core concepts.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to use age-appropriate language and examples that resonate with the pupils’ experiences. Encourage an open and respectful classroom environment where pupils feel safe to discuss sensitive topics related to fairness and discrimination. Emphasize that impartiality is a core Christian value.