Labour and Trade Union Social Studies Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8

Social Studies Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes

Week: 8

Subject: Social Studies

Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 10-11 years
Topic: Labour and Trade Unions
Sub-topic:

• Concept of Labour and Trade Unions
• Examples of Labour and Trade Unions in Nigeria

Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Describe the concept of labour and trade unions.
2. Identify and give examples of labour and trade unions in Nigeria.

Key Words:

• Labour
• Trade Union
• Workers’ Rights
• Collective Bargaining
• Union Members

Set Induction:

The teacher will start by asking pupils if they have ever heard of groups that help workers with their problems at work, and introduce the idea of trade unions.

Entry Behaviour:

Pupils may have some knowledge about workers and may have heard about groups or organizations that support workers.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Charts or posters about trade unions
• Examples of trade union logos or names
• Short video or stories about the roles of trade unions

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Pupils might be aware of different jobs and the challenges that workers face. This lesson connects this knowledge with understanding how trade unions help workers.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Social awareness
• Research skills
• Communication

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Social Studies Textbook for Primary 6

Instructional Materials:

• Flashcards with key terms
• Visual aids with examples of trade unions
• Case studies or real-life examples of trade unions in action

Content

Labour and Trade Unions

1. Concept of Labour and Trade Unions:
   • Labour:
     • Refers to the work performed by individuals to earn a living.
     • Example: Work done by teachers, doctors, and factory workers.
   • Trade Union:
     • An organization of workers that comes together to protect their rights and interests.
     • It helps workers negotiate better wages, working conditions, and benefits.
     • Example: A group of teachers forming a union to negotiate better salaries and working conditions.
2. Examples of Labour and Trade Unions in Nigeria:
   • Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC):
     • The NLC is a major trade union federation in Nigeria, representing workers across various sectors.
     • Example: It works to improve the conditions of workers and advocate for their rights.
   • Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU):
     • Represents university lecturers and staff, focusing on better working conditions and academic freedom.
     • Example: ASUU negotiates with the government on behalf of university staff for better salaries and facilities.
   • National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW):
     • Represents workers in the transport sector, including bus and taxi drivers.
     • Example: It advocates for better working conditions and safety for transport workers.
   • Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN):
     • Represents health workers, including nurses and laboratory technicians.
     • Example: It works to improve working conditions and professional development for health workers.
   • National Association of Teachers (NAT):
     • Represents teachers across the country, focusing on educational standards and teacher welfare.
     • Example: NAT works to improve salaries and working conditions for teachers.

Evaluation

Fill in the blanks with the correct option (a, b, c, or d).

1. Labour refers to __________.
   a) education
   b) work performed by individuals
   c) leisure activities
   d) financial investments
2. A trade union helps workers by __________.
   a) increasing taxes
   b) providing loans
   c) negotiating for better wages and conditions
   d) reducing working hours
3. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) represents __________.
   a) students
   b) workers
   c) employers
   d) government officials
4. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) represents __________.
   a) doctors
   b) university lecturers
   c) farmers
   d) factory workers
5. One of the roles of trade unions is to __________.
   a) reduce salaries
   b) advocate for workers’ rights
   c) fire workers
   d) increase working hours
6. The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) represents __________.
   a) teachers
   b) bus and taxi drivers
   c) doctors
   d) farmers
7. The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) focuses on __________.
   a) road safety
   b) educational standards
   c) health workers’ conditions
   d) factory conditions
8. A trade union is an organization of __________.
   a) employers
   b) students
   c) workers
   d) government officials
9. The National Association of Teachers (NAT) works to improve __________.
   a) transportation
   b) educational standards
   c) factory conditions
   d) health facilities
10. One example of a trade union in Nigeria is __________.
    a) NLC
    b) NAFDAC
    c) FAAN
    d) NNPC

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is a trade union?
   • A trade union is an organization of workers that helps to protect their rights and negotiate better working conditions.
2. Why do workers join trade unions?
   • To improve their working conditions, get better wages, and protect their rights.
3. How does the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) support workers?
   • By representing workers’ interests and negotiating for better working conditions and benefits.
4. Give an example of a trade union for university staff.
   • The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
5. What kind of workers does the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) represent?
   • Workers in the transport sector, including bus and taxi drivers.
6. How does the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) benefit health workers?
   • By advocating for better working conditions and professional development.
7. Why might teachers join the National Association of Teachers (NAT)?
   • To improve educational standards and working conditions for teachers.
8. What is the role of a trade union in negotiating workers’ benefits?
   • Trade unions negotiate with employers or the government to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
9. How can trade unions help in resolving disputes between workers and employers?
   • By representing workers’ interests and negotiating settlements that are fair for both parties.
10. What impact do trade unions have on workers’ rights?
    • They help protect workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment and better working conditions.
11. What are some benefits of workers being part of a trade union?
    • Improved working conditions, better wages, job security, and support in disputes.
12. How can trade unions contribute to improving workplace safety?
    • By advocating for safety regulations and ensuring they are enforced.
13. What are some challenges that trade unions might face?
    • Resistance from employers, legal restrictions, or internal disagreements.
14. How can trade unions help in enhancing workers’ skills?
    • By providing training programs and advocating for professional development opportunities.
15. What is the importance of having different trade unions for various professions?
    • It ensures that the specific needs and issues of each profession are addressed effectively.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Understanding and Addressing Religious Intolerance in Nigeria.”

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, “Labour and Trade Unions,” by explaining what labour and trade unions are, their roles, and providing examples from Nigeria.

Step 3: The teacher facilitates a discussion on how trade unions benefit workers and the importance of these organizations in various professions. Pupils will be encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Define and explain the concept of labour and trade unions.
• Provide examples of trade unions in Nigeria and their roles.
• Use visual aids and real-life examples to illustrate the benefits and functions of trade unions.
• Guide pupils in a discussion about the importance of trade unions.

Learners’ Activities:

• Participate in the discussion about trade unions.
• Share observations or experiences related to workers’ organizations.
• Work in groups to list benefits and examples of trade unions.

Assessment

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is a trade union?
2. Name one example of a trade union in Nigeria.
3. How does the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) support workers?
4. What kind of workers does the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) represent?
5. Why do workers join trade unions?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the key points of the lesson, ensure pupils understand the concepts of labour and trade unions, and provide feedback. The teacher will emphasize the role of trade unions in protecting workers’ rights and improving working conditions.