Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Civic Education
Curriculum Theme: National Values Education
Previous Lesson: National Unity.
Topic: RESPECT FOR CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY
Subject Matter: Meaning of constituted authority, ways of showing respect for authority.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define constituted authority.
List at least three examples of constituted authority.
State five ways of showing respect for constituted authority.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of respecting constituted authority in society.
Develop a positive attitude towards obeying rules and regulations set by authority figures.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate respectful behaviours towards authority figures.
Identify situations where respect for authority is required.

Interact respectfully with authority figures in their school and community.
Promote the value of respect for authority among their peers.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Civic Education (Senior Secondary Education).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Civic Education SSS 1.
Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by J.I. Nwachukwu.
Civic Education Textbook for Senior Secondary Schools by A.B. Olaleye.
https://www.nigeriancurriculum.gov.ng
https://www.education.gov.ng

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing different authority figures (e.g., president, governor, principal, police officer).
Posters displaying actions that show respect.
Civic Education Textbook.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the importance of respecting authority figures in their daily lives. It enables them to recognize and practice respectful behaviours, which is essential for maintaining order and peace in their homes, schools, and communities.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of rules and leaders in their homes and schools.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Respect for Constituted Authority

Meaning of Constituted Authority

Constituted authority refers to individuals or groups of people who have been legally empowered or given the right to make decisions, enforce rules, and maintain order in a specific area or organization. These authorities are established by law or recognized social structures.

The following are examples of constituted authority:

The President and Vice President
Governors and Local Government Chairmen
Traditional rulers
Religious leaders
School principals and teachers
Police officers and other law enforcement agents
Parents and guardians

Ways of Showing Respect for Constituted Authority

It is important to show respect for constituted authority to ensure order and harmony in society. The following are ways to show respect:

Obeying laws, rules, and regulations.
Greeting authority figures appropriately.
Speaking politely and courteously to them.
Listening attentively when they speak.
Following their instructions and directives.
Standing up when they enter a room (in some contexts).
Not interrupting them when they are speaking.
Avoiding insubordination or challenging their legitimate decisions.
Reporting issues through appropriate channels.
Cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

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 people who make rules in their homes and schools. The teacher then links their answers to the concept of authority.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning parents, teachers, and principals.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of authority figures.

Step 2: Explanation of Constituted Authority

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines “constituted authority” and gives various examples, using charts to illustrate. The teacher explains that these authorities are put in place to ensure order.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarity, and identify authority figures from the charts.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of constituted authority and identify various examples.

Step 3: Discussion on Types of Authority

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a brief discussion on different levels of authority (e.g., home, school, community, national) and how they relate to the pupils’ daily lives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their understanding of different authorities and how they experience them.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize the presence of authority in different aspects of their lives.

Step 4: Explanation of Ways to Show Respect for Authority

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains various ways pupils can show respect for constituted authority, using posters to highlight key actions. The teacher encourages pupils to share their own examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and contribute examples of respectful behaviour.
Learning Point: Pupils learn practical ways to demonstrate respect for authority.

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 constituted authority.
Mention three examples of constituted authority.
State four ways of showing respect for constituted authority.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 6: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of respecting authority for a peaceful society. The teacher assigns homework: “List five benefits of respecting constituted authority in your community.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are given an opportunity for further reflection.

Lesson Keywords

Constituted Authority – Individuals or groups legally empowered to make decisions and enforce rules.
Respect – A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
Obedience – Compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority.
Rules – Regulations or principles governing conduct or procedure within a particular area of activity.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research historical figures who demonstrated exceptional respect for authority or whose actions led to positive societal changes. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified examples, re-explain concepts using local contexts, and allow them to draw pictures illustrating respectful actions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should use real-life examples from the school and local community to make the lesson relatable. Encourage open discussion but ensure the classroom environment remains respectful. Emphasize that respecting authority does not mean blindly following wrong instructions, but rather using appropriate channels for dissent or feedback.