The Golden Rule and the Effects of Partiality for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: The Holy Spirit and the Reformed Life
Focal competence: Dealing justly and fairly with peers and others
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Information Literacy; Responsibility
Skills:

• discuss the ‘Golden Rule”
• outline the negative effects of partiality in society

Previous Lesson: Impartiality, Equality Be
Topic: Impartiality: “Golden Rule” Matt. 7
Subject Matter: The “Golden Rule” Matt. 7, Luke 6, Negative effects of partiality

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Discuss the ‘Golden Rule’ from Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31.
• Outline at least three negative effects of partiality in society.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of applying the Golden Rule in their daily interactions.
• Commit to avoiding partiality and promoting fairness among peers and others.

Psychomotor Domain

• Participate actively in class discussions about the ‘Golden Rule’.
• Present findings from group discussions on the negative effects of partiality.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively with group members during discussions.
• Demonstrate fairness and impartiality in classroom activities and interactions.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• The Holy Bible (New International Version or King James Version)
• A suitable Christian Religious Studies textbook for Senior Secondary 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• The Holy Bible
• Charts illustrating effects of partiality (e.g., division, injustice, conflict)
• Whiteboard or blackboard
• Markers or chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it introduces students to a fundamental principle of Christian ethics, the Golden Rule, which promotes love and respect for others. Understanding the negative effects of partiality helps students recognise and avoid discriminatory behaviours, fostering a more just and harmonious society. It equips them with moral guidelines for building positive relationships and contributing to community well-being.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of Christian values, ethical conduct, and the importance of treating others with kindness, as taught in previous CRS lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Impartiality: “Golden Rule” Matt. 7

The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule is a moral principle that states one should treat others as one would like to be treated. It is a fundamental teaching of Jesus Christ, emphasising reciprocity and empathy in human relationships. This rule encourages individuals to consider the feelings and perspectives of others before acting, promoting fairness, kindness, and justice.

The immediate moral and spiritual meaning of the Golden Rule is to cultivate a selfless attitude, where one’s actions towards others are guided by love and a desire for their well-being, mirroring God’s love for humanity.

Bible Reading

1. Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
2. Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Memory Verse

Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Negative Effects of Partiality

Partiality, also known as favouritism or discrimination, involves treating one person or group better or worse than others based on irrelevant criteria rather than merit or fairness. It contradicts the Golden Rule and has several detrimental effects on individuals and society:

1. Breeds Resentment and Bitterness: When people are treated unfairly, it leads to feelings of anger, resentment, and bitterness among those who are overlooked or discriminated against.
2. Causes Division and Conflict: Partiality creates divisions within families, communities, and organisations, leading to conflicts, arguments, and a breakdown of unity.
3. Undermines Trust and Cohesion: When leaders or individuals show favouritism, it erodes trust in their authority and integrity, making it difficult to build strong, cohesive relationships.
4. Hinders Justice and Equity: Partiality prevents justice from being served fairly, as decisions are made based on personal bias rather than objective assessment, leading to inequitable outcomes.
5. Discourages Merit and Hard Work: If success is based on favouritism rather than effort and ability, it discourages individuals from working hard and striving for excellence.
6. Promotes Corruption: Partiality can lead to corrupt practices where individuals use their positions to benefit friends, family, or those they favour, rather than serving the common good.
7. Leads to Social Instability: Widespread partiality can create a sense of injustice and marginalisation among certain groups, potentially leading to social unrest and instability.
8. Damages Reputation: Individuals or institutions known for partiality lose credibility and respect in the eyes of the public.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Group Work, Bible Reading

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall any moral principles they have learned about treating others. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Impartiality: The Golden Rule and the Effects of Partiality.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the topic introduction.

Learning Point: Prior knowledge activation

Step 2: The Golden Rule – Bible Reading

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Reading/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to open their Bibles to Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31. The teacher asks a few students to read the verses aloud, ensuring correct pronunciation and understanding.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils locate the Bible passages and read them aloud as instructed.

Learning Point: Golden Rule passages

Step 3: Understanding the Golden Rule

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of the Golden Rule as derived from the Bible passages, emphasising its core message of treating others as one wishes to be treated. The teacher also clarifies its moral and spiritual significance.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and participate in a brief discussion on the meaning of the Golden Rule.

Learning Point: Meaning of Golden Rule

Step 4: Introduction to Partiality

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Definition/Contrast

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly defines partiality and contrasts it with the concept of impartiality, explaining that partiality is the opposite of the Golden Rule.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the definitions and understand the contrast between partiality and impartiality.

Learning Point: Partiality definition

Step 5: Group Discussion on Effects of Partiality

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Facilitation/Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides the class into small groups and provides each group with charts (or asks them to draw) to discuss and list the negative effects of partiality in society. The teacher moves around to guide and monitor discussions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in their groups, brainstorm ideas, and list the negative effects of partiality on their charts.

Learning Point: Partiality’s negative effects

Step 6: Class Presentation and Reinforcement

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Presentation/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher invites each group to present their findings to the class. After each presentation, the teacher reinforces key points and adds any missed effects, using the prepared charts as a visual aid.

Pupils’ Activity: Group representatives present their findings, and other pupils listen and contribute to the class discussion.

Learning Point: Reinforcing partiality’s effects

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. What is the Golden Rule according to Matthew 7:12?
2. Mention two negative effects of partiality in society.
3. How can applying the Golden Rule help reduce partiality?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Golden Rule and partiality understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes, including the Golden Rule explanation, Bible passages, memory verse, and negative effects of partiality, into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarisation/Encouragement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the lesson, reiterating the importance of living by the Golden Rule and avoiding partiality in all aspects of life. The teacher encourages students to practice impartiality daily.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and reflect on the lesson’s application.

Learning Point: Lesson consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your CRS notebook:

1. Explain the Golden Rule in your own words, referencing Matthew 7:12.
2. Identify and explain three ways partiality can negatively affect a school environment.
3. Suggest practical steps you can take to promote impartiality among your friends and family.

Lesson Keywords

• Impartiality – Treating all people equally and fairly.
• Golden Rule – The principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated.
• Partiality – Unfair favouritism towards one person or group over another.
• Discrimination – Unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people.
• Reciprocity – The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide simplified explanations of the Golden Rule and partiality, using more relatable everyday examples. They will also be paired with stronger students during group work. Advanced learners will be encouraged to research additional biblical examples of impartiality and partiality and discuss their findings with the class.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for: The Golden Rule for students CRS SS1