National Values – JSS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Values are the moral principles and standards that guide human actions. Society appreciates them because they make it peaceful and progressive. Examples include honesty, integrity, courage and loyalty. People show values as individuals and as a society, for example by obeying laws, being honest and respecting other people’s views.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. explain the meaning of values in Civic Education;
2. list and describe four basic human values;
3. distinguish between the individual and societal levels of manifesting values;
4. state ways in which values can be manifested.

What are values?

The word “values” has many meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. In Civic Education, values are the moral principles and standards that guide human actions. People in society highly appreciate such principles because they make society what it should be: peaceful and progressive. The acceptable societal values include honesty, integrity, courage, loyalty, etc.

What are the types of values?

There are different types of values. The basic human values are as follows:

1. Honesty: This is the ability to tell the truth.
2. Respect: This is treating everyone, including yourself, with dignity.
3. Self-control: This is being able to control your actions.
4. Equality: This is the understanding that all people have equal rights.

What are the levels of manifestation of values?

Values are often manifested in various ways for individual and societal growth and development. There must be value manifestation and clarification. It helps individuals to recognise their values and affirm them publicly.

1. Individual level: An individual manifests values by holding to them no matter what others may do. For instance, a student who believes in honesty will vehemently refuse to cheat in an examination hall.
2. Societal level: This means principles and standards that dictate and influence human behaviour and interactions in society. They are principles like time consciousness, honesty, discipline, etc.

What are the ways of manifesting values?

Values can be manifested in the following ways:

1. By being a law-abiding citizen: Good citizens obey the rules and regulations of the place where they live. In this way they encourage other residents around them.
2. By being oneself in all situations: A person who has good standards is predictable, because he or she will always do what is right or tell the truth, even if the consequence is not favourable.
3. By respecting other views and values: A person of good values respects other people’s views even when they are contrary to his or her own, but will not do what he or she believes is morally wrong.
4. By being loyal to constituted authority: A person of good values will not act in a way that will damage the nation’s image or other people’s image. As a student, he or she will support the school’s culture.

Evaluation

1. Define values in the context of Civic Education.
2. List the four basic human values and explain each one.
3. Give an example of how a student can manifest values at the individual level.
4. State two ways of manifesting values.

Assignment

1. What is value?
2. State two importance of value.