# Lesson Plan: Major Constitutional Conferences of 1950, 1953, 1957, and 1958
## Grade Level: Senior Secondary 2
## Subject: Government
## Duration: 90 minutes
### Lesson Overview
This lesson aims to provide students with an understanding of the major constitutional conferences held in Nigeria during the years 1950, 1953, 1957, and 1958. The conferences played crucial roles in Nigeria's journey to independence and the development of its constitution.
### Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Describe the key features and outcomes of the constitutional conferences of 1950, 1953, 1957, and 1958.
2. Explain the significance of these conferences in Nigeria’s political development.
3. Analyze how the outcomes of these conferences impacted Nigeria's move towards independence.
### Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer with internet access
- PowerPoint presentation on the constitutional conferences
- Handouts with excerpts from the conferences
- Textbooks or relevant reading materials
- Video clip on Nigeria’s journey to independence (optional)
- Student notebooks
### Lesson Procedure
#### Introduction (10 minutes)
1. **Warm-Up Activity**: Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of constitutions in governing a country. Ask students if they know about any major events in Nigeria’s history that influenced its constitution.
2. **Objective Sharing**: Inform students about the objectives of the lesson and the importance of learning about the constitutional conferences.
#### Teacher Input (20 minutes)
1. **Lecture with PowerPoint**: Use a PowerPoint presentation to provide detailed information about each of the conferences.
- **1950 Ibadan Constitutional Conference**: Discuss the reasons behind the conference, key participants, and major outcomes (e.g., the formation of regional houses of assembly).
- **1953 London Constitutional Conference**: Explain the major political tensions, the idea of federalism, and subsequent constitutional changes.
- **1957 and 1958 Conferences**: Highlight the significance of these conferences in paving the way for Nigeria’s self-governance and ultimate independence. Discuss the key issues addressed, such as regional autonomy, minority rights, and the framework for independence.
#### Guided Practice (20 minutes)
1. **Group Activity**: Divide students into four groups. Assign each group one conference to analyze.
- Each group will read handout excerpts about their assigned conference and identify the key features, participants, and outcomes.
- Students will create posters summarizing their findings and prepare to present them to the class.
#### Group Presentations (20 minutes)
1. **Student Presentations**: Allow each group to present their posters and findings to the class.
- Encourage students to ask questions and engage in discussion, comparing and contrasting the different conferences.
#### Independent Practice (10 minutes)
1. **Reflective Writing**: Ask students to write a short essay on how these constitutional conferences advanced the cause of Nigerian independence. They should use specific examples from the lesson to support their points.
#### Conclusion (10 minutes)
1. **Class Discussion**: Review the main points from today’s lesson. Engage students in a discussion about how these conferences might have shaped modern Nigeria.
2. **Q&A Session**: Allow students to ask any remaining questions they have about the conferences or related topics.
#### Homework
1. **Research Assignment**: Assign students a homework task to research one key figure involved in the constitutional conferences. They should prepare a 1-2 page report on the figure’s contributions and impact on the constitutional development of Nigeria.
### Assessment
1. **Formative**: Assess students based on their participation in group activities and class discussions.
2. **Summative**: Evaluate students’ reflective essays and research assignment for understanding, analytical skills, and historical accuracy.
### Differentiation
1. Provide additional support and resources for students who might struggle with the complexity of historical events.
2. Offer extension activities for advanced students, such as deeper analysis of primary sources or a comparative study of Nigerian constitutional development with another country's.
### Resources
- PowerPoint presentation
- Handouts with excerpts from the conferences
- Relevant textbook chapters or online resources
- Video clips on Nigeria’s path to independence (e.g., documentary snippets)
### Reflection
After the lesson, reflect on its effectiveness. Consider:
- Were the objectives met?
- How engaged were the students during group activities and discussions?
- What could be improved in future lessons on similar topics?
By the end of this lesson, students should have a comprehensive understanding of the significance of the constitutional conferences in Nigeria's journey towards independence and the formation of its constitutional framework.