Discipline – JSS2 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Discipline is the ability to behave in a controlled way and keep to a strict standard by obeying particular rules or patterns of behaviour, even in a difficult situation. It is the attitude of doing the right thing at the right time. Peace and harmony prevail in societies when the citizens are disciplined.

Behavioural objectives

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

• define discipline;
• state three attributes of discipline;
• explain the importance of discipline;
• list the consequences of indiscipline in society and in school.

What are the attributes of discipline?

1. Self-control: deliberately avoiding abnormal behaviour that can embarrass you and others, e.g. avoiding the urge to fight in public or to exchange abusive words with a colleague. Someone without self-control can engage in drug trafficking to meet a need.
2. Modesty: being simple and moderate in all things. Some people want to throw the biggest party and ride the best car when it is unnecessary. An extravagant lifestyle has led many leaders and civil servants to engage in corrupt practices.
3. Respect for rules and regulations: a disciplined person pays his taxes regularly, obeys traffic rules, and helps security agents fight crime by providing useful information when necessary.

Why is discipline important?

1. It encourages peace in society: when people obey rules and regulations, there will be peace in such a society.
2. It promotes unity: discipline makes people work together in unity.
3. It promotes economic and political development: financial discipline in civil servants and politicians makes them use government funds for developmental projects, rather than for projects that will benefit only themselves, their friends and their relatives.

What are the consequences of indiscipline?

Indiscipline is the opposite of discipline. It is the act of doing things that society frowns at. The following are some of its consequences in society.

1. It brings disorderliness in society.
2. It allows for social and political instability.
3. It slows down development efforts.
4. In school there will be utter confusion. Teachers will not be able to teach and students will be unable to learn.
5. It leads to disunity, the break-up of families and the destruction of social values.

Evaluation

1. What is discipline?
2. State three attributes of discipline and give one example of each.
3. Explain two ways in which discipline helps a society.
4. What is indiscipline?
5. State three consequences of indiscipline.

Assignment

Explain how indiscipline can affect a school. Give three points.