Lesson Note on Methods of Communication: Traditional Methods for SS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Office Practice
Curriculum Theme: Communication Skills
Previous Lesson: Written and Visual Communication: Meaning and Examples.
Topic: METHODS OF COMMUNICATION
Subject Matter: Methods of communication (traditional, modern), traditional methods (drum, town crier, gong, and more), advantages of traditional methods, disadvantages of traditional methods

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define communication.
• Identify traditional methods of communication.
• Explain the advantages of traditional communication methods.
• State the disadvantages of traditional communication methods.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the historical significance of traditional communication methods.
• Value the role of different communication methods in society.

Psychomotor Domain:

• List various examples of traditional communication methods.
• Discuss situations where traditional methods are still relevant.

Social Domain:

• Participate actively in discussions about communication methods.
• Collaborate with peers to identify and present examples of traditional communication.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Ogunsanwo, A.O. (2018). Office Practice for Senior Secondary Schools. University Press Plc.
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/communication
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_communication

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Pictures of traditional communication instruments (e.g., drum, gong, town crier)
• A real drum or gong (if available)
• Community bell

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the various ways people transmit information, both in the past and present. It enables them to recognize the foundational methods of communication and appreciate their evolution into modern systems, which is important for office administration.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of what communication means in their daily lives.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION

Introduction to Communication

Communication is the process of sending and receiving information between two or more people. It involves sharing ideas, thoughts, feelings, and messages through various means.

Traditional Methods of Communication

Traditional methods of communication are old or indigenous ways through which people in communities shared information before the advent of modern technology. These methods often relied on local resources and cultural practices.

The following are examples of traditional methods of communication:

• Drum: Used for sending messages over long distances, often with specific beats representing different messages (e.g., war, celebration, death).
• Town Crier: A person appointed to make public announcements or proclamations in the streets, often accompanied by a bell or gong to attract attention.
• Gong: A metallic disc struck with a mallet, used to call people together or make important announcements.
• Smoke Signals: Used by some communities to send messages over very long distances, where different patterns of smoke conveyed different meanings.
• Talking Drums: Specific types of drums that can mimic the rhythm and intonation of human speech, used to transmit complex messages.
• Symbolic Objects: Sending objects with specific meanings (e.g., kola nut for peace, palm fronds for warning).
• Oral Traditions/Folktales: Passing down history, values, and lessons through spoken stories and narratives.
• Whistling: Certain communities use specific whistling patterns to communicate over distances, especially in dense forests or mountains.

Advantages of Traditional Methods of Communication

The following are the advantages of traditional methods of communication:

• They are often culturally relevant and understood by local communities.
• They do not require electricity or advanced technology.
• They can be very effective within specific geographical areas.
• They help preserve cultural heritage and identity.
• They are generally inexpensive to use, relying on local materials.

Disadvantages of Traditional Methods of Communication

The following are the disadvantages of traditional methods of communication:

• They have limited reach and are often restricted to local communities.
• Messages can be misinterpreted or distorted over long distances or time.
• They are often slow and time-consuming.
• They are not suitable for complex or private messages.
• They are easily affected by weather conditions (e.g., rain can silence a drum, wind can disperse smoke signals).
• They lack permanence, as messages are often not recorded.

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 recall any method they use to pass messages to their friends or family without using a phone.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning methods like shouting, writing notes, or using gestures.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of communication and its various forms.

Step 2: Explanation of Communication

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines communication as the process of sending and receiving information and explains its importance in daily life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the general meaning and importance of communication.

Step 3: Introduction to Traditional Methods

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces traditional methods of communication, explaining that these were used before modern technology. The teacher uses pictures of a drum and a town crier to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures and listen to the explanation.
Learning Point: Pupils identify traditional communication as older methods without modern technology.

Step 4: Detailed Examples of Traditional Methods

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how a gong or drum could be used (if available) or explains their use with more pictures. The teacher asks pupils to name other traditional methods they know.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, mention examples like smoke signals, and participate in discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils gain a deeper understanding of various traditional communication methods.

Step 5: Advantages of Traditional Methods

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides a discussion on the benefits of these traditional methods, prompting pupils to think about their cultural relevance and simplicity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute ideas about the advantages, such as cultural preservation and no need for electricity.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and explain the advantages of traditional communication.

Step 6: Disadvantages of Traditional Methods

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the drawbacks of traditional communication, focusing on limitations like slow speed, limited reach, and potential for misinterpretation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and discuss the disadvantages, considering factors like distance and clarity.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the limitations and disadvantages of traditional communication.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

1. Define communication.
2. List three traditional methods of communication.
3. State two advantages of traditional communication methods.
4. Mention two disadvantages of traditional communication methods.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the evolution of communication. The teacher then gives homework: “Research and write down five modern methods of communication.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for the next topic.

Lesson Keywords

• Communication – The process of sending and receiving information.
• Traditional Methods – Old or indigenous ways of sharing information.
• Town Crier – A person who made public announcements in the past.
• Gong – A metallic instrument used for announcements.
• Smoke Signals – Messages sent using patterns of smoke.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they will be encouraged to research how specific traditional methods were used in different Nigerian cultures. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and more direct examples, focusing on identifying methods rather than detailing their uses.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should encourage pupils to share their personal experiences or family stories related to traditional communication methods. Using actual traditional instruments like a small drum or gong, if safe and available, can greatly enhance engagement. Emphasize the cultural context of these methods and their continued relevance in some rural areas.