# Lesson Plan: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
### Class: Senior Secondary 3
### Subject: Government
### Duration: 80 minutes
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## General Information
- **Topic:** Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
- **Sub-topics:**
- Introduction and History of ECOWAS
- Objectives and Functions
- Structure and Institutions
- Achievements and Challenges
- ECOWAS and Nigeria
## Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the establishment and history of ECOWAS.
2. Identify the objectives and functions of ECOWAS.
3. Describe the organizational structure and key institutions of ECOWAS.
4. Evaluate the achievements and challenges faced by ECOWAS.
5. Explain the role and significance of Nigeria in ECOWAS.
## Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and laptop
- PowerPoint presentation on ECOWAS
- Handouts summarizing key points
- Access to internet-connected devices for research activity
- Videos showcasing ECOWAS achievements (optional)
## Lesson Procedure
### Introduction (10 minutes)
1. **Greeting and Attendance:** Take attendance and greet the students.
2. **Hook:** Ask students if they have heard of ECOWAS and what they know about it. Show a brief introductory video (2-3 minutes) about ECOWAS to grab their attention.
3. **Objective Overview:** Explain the objectives of today's lesson to the students.
### Teaching Input (30 minutes)
1. **History and Establishment of ECOWAS (7 minutes)**
- Discuss the origins of ECOWAS, including the treaty of Lagos signed on May 28, 1975.
- Highlight key historical milestones and founding member states.
2. **Objectives and Functions (8 minutes)**
- Outline the objectives of ECOWAS, such as economic integration, political cooperation, and regional security.
- Discuss the functions of ECOWAS in promoting trade, harmonizing policies, and facilitating movement.
3. **Structure and Institutions (8 minutes)**
- Describe the organizational structure, including the Authority of Heads of State, Council of Ministers, and Community Parliament.
- Introduce key institutions such as the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
4. **Achievements and Challenges (7 minutes)**
- Review the achievements of ECOWAS in promoting economic cooperation, conflict resolution, and social development.
- Discuss the challenges faced, such as political instability, funding, and infrastructural deficits.
### Student Activities (30 minutes)
1. **Group Activity (15 minutes)**
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific topic related to ECOWAS (e.g., trade policies, conflict resolution, common currency, etc.).
- Each group will use provided materials and internet resources to research their topic and create a short presentation.
2. **Group Presentations (15 minutes)**
- Each group will present their findings to the class in 2-3 minutes.
- Allow time for questions and brief discussions after each presentation.
### Conclusion (10 minutes)
1. **Summary:** Summarize the key points covered in the lesson.
- Recap the aims and functions, structure, achievements, and challenges of ECOWAS.
2. **Questions & Answers:** Open the floor for any final questions or comments from the students.
3. **Assignment:**
- Assign students to write a short essay (about 300 words) on Nigeria's role and significance in ECOWAS.
4. **Closure:**
- Thank the students for their participation and remind them to complete their essays for the next class.
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## Assessment
- **Formative Assessment:** Observe students' participation during activities and group discussions.
- **Summative Assessment:** Evaluate the students' group presentations and written essays for understanding and analysis of ECOWAS.
## Homework
- **Write an essay:** In about 300 words, discuss the role and significance of Nigeria in ECOWAS.
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## Supplementary Materials
- ECOWAS official website (http://www.ecowas.int/)
- Relevant articles from recent years discussing ECOWAS initiatives.
- Educational videos on YouTube about ECOWAS's history and achievements.
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This lesson plan aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of ECOWAS, engaging students through various teaching strategies including lectures, group activities, discussions, and research.