Home Economics - Junior Secondary 1 - Home Economics and National Development

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 2

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes each for 2 periods

DATE:

SUBJECT: Home economics

TOPIC: Home Economics and National Development

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1.) Discuss the career opportunities available in Home economics

2.) List the career requirements in Home Economics in Nigeria

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Home economics textbooks for Junior Secondary School 1

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: PERIOD 1-2:

NOTE

HOME ECONOMICS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Career Opportunities Available in Home Economics

Home Economics offers a wide range of career opportunities, combining practical skills with theoretical knowledge to improve family well-being, promote healthy lifestyles, and contribute to the broader community. Some of the career opportunities include:

1. Nutritionist/Dietitian:
   A nutritionist or dietitian focuses on advising individuals and organizations on healthy eating habits, creating meal plans, and managing diet-related health issues. They may work in hospitals, health clinics, schools, or wellness centers.
2. Family and Child Development Specialist:
   These professionals work in various settings, including schools, community centers, and social services, to promote healthy family dynamics and support child development. They provide guidance on parenting, family relationships, and child psychology.
3. Textile Designer/Clothing Technologist:
   A career in textile design involves creating and designing fabrics or garments. These professionals work with clothing manufacturers, fashion houses, or in the textile industry to create wearable products or innovative fabric designs.
4. Home Economist:
   Home economists may work in industries related to food production, interior design, or consumer goods. They focus on enhancing the quality of life by applying their knowledge of home management, budgeting, cooking, and household organization.
5. Consumer Consultant/Advisor:
   These professionals help consumers make informed choices about purchasing goods and services. They may work with retail organizations, government agencies, or educational institutions to teach consumer rights, financial literacy, and consumer protection.
6. Food Scientist/Food Technologist:
   Food scientists and technologists apply scientific knowledge to improve food quality, preservation, and safety. They work in food production, research, and development, focusing on making food systems more efficient and sustainable.
7. Hospitality Manager:
   Hospitality managers work in hotels, restaurants, or resorts, ensuring that guests have a positive experience. They are responsible for overseeing operations, managing staff, and maintaining service standards.
8. Interior Designer:
   Interior designers work on designing and decorating residential, commercial, and public spaces. They apply principles of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability to create environments that are both practical and visually appealing.
9. Community Development Officer:
   These professionals work with communities to improve living standards, promote health and well-being, and provide educational programs on topics such as nutrition, family life, and home management.
10. Academic Educator/Teacher in Home Economics:
    Teachers in home economics are employed in schools, colleges, or universities to impart knowledge about various aspects of home management, food science, child development, and family dynamics.

Career Requirements in Home Economics in Nigeria

To pursue a career in home economics in Nigeria, individuals typically need to meet specific educational and skill-based requirements. These may include:

1. Educational Qualifications:
   • Secondary School Certificate: A minimum of five credits in relevant subjects such as English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Home Economics.
   • National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Home Economics or a related field, typically awarded by polytechnics or technical schools.
   • Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics or related fields (such as Nutrition, Family Science, Textile Technology) from a recognized university in Nigeria.
   • Postgraduate Education (optional): For specialized careers, individuals may pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in areas such as Nutrition, Family and Child Development, or Food Science.
2. Practical Experience:
   • Internships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training in areas such as nutrition counseling, family services, food technology, or interior design are essential for gaining hands-on experience in the field.
3. Certifications and Licensure:
   • In some fields, certifications may be required. For instance, nutritionists or dietitians may need certification from a professional body like the Dieticians Association of Nigeria (DAN) or other regulatory bodies in related fields.
   • Professional certifications in areas like food safety, consumer protection, and home management may enhance employability.
4. Skills Required:
   • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial for counseling, teaching, and interacting with clients or the community.
   • Organizational Skills: Managing tasks such as meal planning, budgeting, or home management requires excellent organizational abilities.
   • Creative Skills: In fields like textile design, interior design, or hospitality management, creativity plays a significant role in job performance.
   • Problem-Solving Abilities: Identifying solutions to family or household-related challenges and making effective decisions are vital skills in many home economics careers.
   • Technical Skills: Depending on the career, knowledge of specific tools and software (for instance, design software for interior design or food safety standards) may be necessary.
5. Professional Associations:
   • Membership in professional organizations such as the Nigerian Home Economics Association (NHEA), Dietitians Association of Nigeria (DAN), or Nigerian Institute of Interior Designers (NIID) can provide networking opportunities and professional development.
6. Continuous Education:
   • Given the evolving nature of home economics (especially in nutrition, technology, and design), individuals must engage in continuous learning through workshops, courses, and seminars to stay updated on the latest trends and research in their fields.

EVALUATION:

1. How does the study of nutrition and dietetics in home economics influence public health, and what are the key benefits of a balanced diet for families?
2. Explain the role of home economics in sustainable living. How can individuals apply concepts learned in this field to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices?
3. Discuss the relationship between home management and budgeting in family economics. How does proper management of household resources contribute to financial stability?
4. How do advancements in textile technology and fashion design within home economics impact both local and global industries?
5. What are the key factors influencing child development that are addressed in home economics, and how can this knowledge improve parenting and family dynamics?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively