Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Computer Studies
Curriculum Theme: Computer Studies
Previous Lesson: Word Processing I.
Topic: WORD PROCESSING
Subject Matter: word processing environment, create document, edit document, format document, save document, retrieve document, print document, close document and exit program

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define word processing.
Identify the components of a word processing environment.
State the steps to create, save, retrieve, print, and close a document.
Explain how to edit and format a document.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of word processing in various daily tasks.
Develop interest in using word processing applications for personal and academic work.

Psychomotor Domain:

Create a new document using a word processor.
Edit and format text within a document.
Save, retrieve, print, and close a document correctly.
Exit a word processing program.

Adhere to good practices when using computer systems for word processing tasks.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Computer Studies.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Bakare, A.A. (2019). Comprehensive Computer Studies for Senior Secondary Schools 1-3. Lagos: Johnson Publishers.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A computer system with word processing software installed.
A projector (for demonstration, if available).
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand and use word processing software, which is a fundamental skill in today’s world. It enables them to create, edit, and manage text documents effectively for school assignments, personal use, and future careers. Mastering these skills prepares them for practical applications of computers.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are assumed to have basic knowledge of computer operations, such as starting and shutting down a computer, and using a mouse and keyboard.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

WORD PROCESSING

What is Word Processing?

Word processing refers to the use of a computer and software to create, edit, format, save, retrieve, and print text documents. It allows users to manipulate text easily and efficiently.

Word Processing Environment

A typical word processing environment (e.g., Microsoft Word) consists of several components. The following are common components:

Title Bar: Displays the name of the document and the program.
Menu Bar: Contains a list of menus (e.g., File, Edit, View, Insert) that hold commands.
Standard Toolbar: Contains buttons for common operations like New, Open, Save, Print.
Formatting Toolbar: Contains buttons for formatting text (e.g., Font, Font Size, Bold, Italic, Underline).
Ruler: Helps with setting margins, indents, and tab stops.
Scroll Bars: Used to move the document view up, down, left, or right.
Document Window: The main area where text is typed and displayed.
Insertion Point (Cursor): A blinking vertical line indicating where text will appear when typed.
Status Bar: Displays information about the current document, such as page number, word count.

Creating a New Document

To create a new document in most word processors:

Click on the “File” menu.
Select “New” or “New Document”.
Choose “Blank Document” and click “Create” or “OK”.

Editing a Document

Editing involves making changes to the content of a document. The following are common editing operations:

Inserting Text: Place the insertion point where you want to add text and start typing.
Deleting Text: Use the “Backspace” key to delete characters to the left of the insertion point, or the “Delete” key to delete characters to the right.
Selecting Text: Click and drag the mouse over the text, or use Shift + arrow keys.
Copying Text: Select text, then click “Copy” (or Ctrl + C).
Cutting Text: Select text, then click “Cut” (or Ctrl + X).
Pasting Text: Place the insertion point, then click “Paste” (or Ctrl + V).

Formatting a Document

Formatting involves changing the appearance of text and paragraphs. The following are common formatting options:

Font Style: Changing the typeface (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman).
Font Size: Changing the size of the text (e.g., 12pt, 14pt).
Font Color: Changing the colour of the text.
Text Attributes: Applying Bold (B), Italic (I), or Underline (U) to text.
Text Alignment: Arranging text to be Left, Center, Right, or Justified.
Line Spacing: Adjusting the space between lines of text.

Saving a Document

Saving a document stores it permanently on a computer. The following are steps to save a document:

Click on the “File” menu.
Select “Save As” (for the first time) or “Save”.
Navigate to the desired location (folder) to save the document.
Type a file name in the “File name” box.
Click “Save”.

Retrieving (Opening) a Document

To open an existing document:

Click on the “File” menu.
Select “Open”.
Navigate to the folder where the document is saved.
Select the document file name.
Click “Open”.

Printing a Document

Printing creates a hard copy of the document. The following are steps to print a document:

Ensure a printer is connected and turned on.
Click on the “File” menu.
Select “Print”.
Adjust print settings (e.g., number of copies, page range).
Click “Print”.

Closing a Document and Exiting the Program

To close a document without exiting the program:

Click on the “File” menu.
Select “Close”.
If changes were made and not saved, the program will prompt to save.

To exit the word processing program completely:

Click on the “File” menu.
Select “Exit” or “Quit”.
Alternatively, click the “Close” button (X) in the top-right corner of the program window.

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 what they understand by “processing” and “words”. The teacher then introduces the topic “Word Processing” by explaining that it is about using computers to work with words and documents.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of word processing and its relevance.

Step 2: Definition of Word Processing and Environment

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines word processing and, using a projector or a diagram, explains and points out the key components of a word processing environment (e.g., title bar, menu bar, document window, cursor, toolbars). The teacher ensures pupils can identify these parts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the demonstration, and identify the different parts of the word processing environment.
Learning Point: Pupils define word processing and identify its key interface components.

Step 3: Creating and Editing Documents

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Activity
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to create a new document, type text, and perform basic editing operations such as inserting, deleting, copying, cutting, and pasting text. The teacher encourages pupils to observe closely and ask questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration and ask clarifying questions. If systems are available, they may attempt simple typing and editing.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the practical steps for creating and editing text in a document.

Step 4: Formatting Documents

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to format text using various options like changing font style, size, colour, applying bold, italic, underline, and aligning text. The teacher explains the purpose of each formatting option.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the formatting demonstrations and understand how to change the appearance of text.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can identify different document formatting options.

Step 5: Saving and Retrieving Documents

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the steps to save a newly created document and how to open an existing document. The teacher emphasizes the importance of saving work regularly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the saving and retrieving processes and understand their importance.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to save their work and open existing documents.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define word processing.
Mention three components of a word processing environment.
State the steps to save a document.
Explain how to cut and paste text in a document.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of word processing skills. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to practice the operations discussed, if possible.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down any assigned homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of word processing operations.

Lesson Keywords

Word Processing – Using a computer and software to create, edit, format, save, and print text documents.
Document – A file created using a word processor, typically containing text.
Edit – To make changes or corrections to the content of a document.
Format – To change the appearance or layout of text and paragraphs in a document.
Save – To store a document permanently on a computer’s storage device.
Retrieve – To open an existing document from storage for viewing or editing.
Print – To produce a hard copy of a document using a printer.
Environment – The graphical user interface and components of a word processing application.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide more one-on-one guidance during practical demonstrations and may offer simplified handouts with step-by-step instructions. Advanced learners can be challenged by asking them to explore more advanced formatting options, such as inserting images or creating tables, or by troubleshooting common word processing issues.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

It is highly recommended to have working computer systems available for a practical session to reinforce the concepts taught. If practicals are not possible, use a projector to demonstrate each step clearly. Encourage pupils to ask questions and allow for hands-on practice wherever feasible. Ensure to review basic computer handling and care before practical sessions.