Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3, JSS 3)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: National Values Education
Curriculum Theme: Social Studies
Previous Lesson: Ways of Promoting Peace
Topic: Social Conflicts
Subject Matter: Meaning and types of conflicts – Violent and non–violent conflicts, causes, effects, and resolution strategies.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
(a) Define social conflicts and distinguish between violent and non-violent conflicts.
(b) Explain the causes and effects of social conflicts in society. - Affective Domain:
(a) Demonstrate a positive attitude towards peaceful conflict resolution.
(b) Appreciate the importance of understanding and tolerance in preventing conflicts. - Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Illustrate examples of conflict situations using charts or drawings.
(b) Participate in role-plays to practice conflict resolution strategies. - Social Domain:
(a) Engage in group discussions to share experiences of social conflicts.
(b) Collaborate with peers to propose solutions to hypothetical conflict situations.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary Schools
- Wikipedia – Social conflict
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Charts showing types of social conflicts
- Role-play cards
- Storytelling scenario sheets
- Projector or laptop for multimedia illustrations
- Handouts with examples of violent and non-violent conflicts
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson will equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to identify, understand, and resolve social conflicts peacefully, fostering harmony and responsible citizenship.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should have basic understanding of social interactions, rules, and the need for cooperation and respect for others.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Social Conflicts
Meaning of Social Conflicts
Social conflicts are disagreements or clashes between individuals, groups, or communities that arise due to differences in opinions, values, interests, or needs. Conflicts can affect the harmony and development of society if not managed properly.
The following are key points:
- Social conflict involves opposing interests or goals among individuals or groups.
- Conflicts may be temporary or prolonged depending on the nature of the disagreement.
- Conflicts are part of human social life but require management to prevent harm.
Types of Social Conflicts
Social conflicts can be categorized into two main types: violent and non-violent.
These include:
- Violent Conflicts: Involve physical aggression, destruction of property, or use of weapons to settle disagreements.
- Non-Violent Conflicts: Involve disagreements, debates, or verbal arguments without physical harm.
Causes of Social Conflicts
Social conflicts arise from various social, economic, and cultural factors.
The following are common causes:
- Competition for resources such as land, money, or jobs.
- Differences in religion, culture, or beliefs.
- Misunderstandings and poor communication.
- Inequality, discrimination, and unfair treatment.
Effects of Social Conflicts
Conflicts can have both negative and positive effects, depending on how they are managed.
They are:
- Negative Effects: Violence, destruction of property, psychological stress, breakdown of relationships, and disruption of social order.
- Positive Effects: Promotes dialogue, understanding of differences, and potential social reforms if managed constructively.
Conflict Resolution Strategies
Resolving conflicts peacefully is essential for societal stability and cooperation.
Examples include:
- Negotiation – reaching a mutually acceptable solution through discussion.
- Mediation – involving a neutral third party to facilitate resolution.
- Dialogue and communication – expressing viewpoints respectfully and listening to others.
- Compromise and reconciliation – adjusting positions to restore harmony.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work, Role-play
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Greet pupils and review the previous lesson. Introduce social conflicts using a short story or real-life scenario.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and respond to questions about previous lesson and story.
Learning Point: Understanding the context and relevance of social conflicts.
Step 2: Meaning of Social Conflicts
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Define social conflicts, highlighting opposing interests and impacts on society.
Pupils’ Activity: Copy definition and give personal examples.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what social conflicts are.
Step 3: Types of Social Conflicts
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture with Visual Aid
Teacher’s Activity: Explain violent and non-violent conflicts with examples; show charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes and identify conflicts they have observed.
Learning Point: Differentiate between violent and non-violent conflicts.
Step 4: Causes of Social Conflicts
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: List and explain causes of social conflicts. Ask pupils to suggest other causes they know.
Pupils’ Activity: Participate in discussion and list causes.
Learning Point: Identify factors that trigger conflicts.
Step 5: Effects of Social Conflicts
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Storytelling and Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explain negative and positive effects of conflicts using examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Copy key points and relate to personal experiences.
Learning Point: Understand consequences of conflicts.
Step 6: Conflict Resolution Strategies
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Role-Play and Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teach strategies such as negotiation, mediation, dialogue, and compromise. Facilitate role-play.
Pupils’ Activity: Participate in role-play and discuss outcomes.
Learning Point: Apply peaceful conflict resolution methods.
Step 7: Note-Taking
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize key points for pupils to note in their exercise books.
Pupils’ Activity: Copy notes accurately.
Learning Point: Reinforce understanding of lesson content.
Step 8: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning and Task Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define social conflicts.
- Differentiate between violent and non-violent conflicts.
- List three causes of social conflicts.
- Mention two effects of social conflicts.
- Suggest two strategies to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions and perform mini tasks.
Learning Point: Assess understanding and retention.
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Closure
Teacher’s Activity: Recap the lesson and emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and reflect on lesson relevance.
Learning Point: Reinforce the importance of conflict management in society.
Lesson Keywords
- Conflict – disagreement between individuals or groups
- Violence – use of physical force
- Non-violence – resolving issues without harm
- Mediation – intervention by a neutral party
- Negotiation – discussion to reach agreement
- Reconciliation – restoring friendly relations
Differentiation
Use role-play and group discussion to engage both fast and slow learners; provide visual charts for pupils who need concrete examples.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure real-life examples are age-appropriate, and encourage pupils to share personal experiences without blaming or shaming others. Emphasize active participation.

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