Concept of Social Studies – JSS3 Social Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Social studies is the study of social problems, facts about people, and how people relate to their surroundings.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. explain what social studies is and name the subjects it brings together;
2. define fact, concept, generalisation, skill, value and attitude, and give examples;
3. state the general objectives of social studies;
4. explain how social studies helps to produce responsible citizens.

What is social studies?

Social studies is the study of social problems, facts about people, and how people relate to their surroundings.

• Focus: people, their problems and their environment (physical and social).
• Method: it brings together ideas from several subjects to study one problem.
• Content: facts, concepts, generalisations, skills, values and attitudes.
• Aim: to produce responsible citizens.

Which subjects make up social studies?

Social studies brings together history, geography, economics, government, psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science and religion.

What does social studies content include?

Social studies content includes six items: facts, concepts, generalisations, skills, values and attitudes.

What is a fact?

A fact is knowledge or information based strictly on real occurrences, which can be checked.

• Example 1: There are 36 states in Nigeria.
• Example 2: The Edo people are indigenous to the southern part of Nigeria.
• Example 3: A Yoruba male prostrates to greet elders.
• Example 4: Marriage between a man and a woman in Nigeria is legal.

What is a concept?

A concept is a general idea or description about something.

• It gives the definition or meaning of a subject, so that we can understand it clearly.
• Example 1: At the mere mention of conflict, we picture people arguing, disagreeing or fighting.
• Example 2: At the mention of family, we picture parents, children and relatives living together.

What is a generalisation?

A generalisation is a statement or conclusion about a whole group of people or things, drawn from a few cases.

• Example 1: The Edo people of the southern part of Nigeria are very hospitable.
• Example 2: Most Nigerian farmers plant their crops at the start of the rainy season.
• Caution: a generalisation may not be true of every member of the group, so it must rest on evidence.
• Caution: never use a generalisation to insult or label a group of people.

What is the difference between a fact and a generalisation?

What is a skill?

A skill is the ability to do certain things very well.

• It may be acquired or developed through training or experience.
• It makes a person more outstanding and unique than others.
• Examples: tailoring, drawing, public speaking and typing.

What is a value?

A value is the usefulness or importance of something.

• A person with good values shuns corruption, stealing, lying or anything evil.
• Examples: honesty, hard work, respect and tolerance.

What is an attitude?

An attitude is our manner, feeling and approach towards issues.

• It influences our behaviour and the way we do things.
• Example: a positive attitude to work makes a student finish assignments on time.

What are the general objectives of social studies?

Objectives are goals that an individual or group aims at in order to get the very best of their performance.

• Critical thinking: students learn how society has evolved, and learn to think carefully about societal issues and how to address them using social values.
• Social understanding: students develop an understanding of society and the human condition.
• Integrating ideas: students combine ideas from history, geography, economics and other subjects to make reasonable decisions and to identify problems affecting society.

What are the other objectives of social studies?

• Patriotism: it educates students to become patriotic and responsible citizens.
• Roles and responsibilities: it teaches us our duties in the environment we find ourselves in.
• Participation: it prepares us to take part competently and productively as concerned citizens.
• Solving problems: it teaches us to address societal and global concerns using literature, technology and other identifiable community resources.

How does social studies produce responsible citizens?

Social studies produces responsible citizens by giving students the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to serve their society.

1. Students learn their rights, duties and responsibilities as citizens.
2. Students learn values such as honesty, respect and hard work.
3. Students build skills for thinking, decision making and solving problems.
4. Students develop positive attitudes towards their community and country.
5. Students learn to take part in community life, for example by obeying laws and caring for the environment.

Evaluation

1. What is social studies?
2. Name five subjects that make up social studies.
3. Define a skill and a value, and give an example of a value.
4. State three general objectives of social studies.
5. State one difference between a fact and a generalisation.

Assignment

1. List four objectives of social studies and explain any two of them in your own words.