Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Ethics and Democratic Values

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objective

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

This phase is vital to ensure that students grasp how closely ethics and democracy are intertwined. Understanding this connection is essential for comprehending how ethical values underpin democratic frameworks. By reflecting on the evolution of ethics over time, students will also appreciate how historical and cultural contexts have influenced contemporary democratic practices. This preparation will enhance their ability to engage in discussions and critical analyses during class activities.

Objective Utama:

1. Examine the link between ethics and democratic values, focusing on how ethical standards shape and uphold democracy.

2. Compare and contrast the concept of ethics from ancient times to the present, highlighting how these shifts affect our current understanding of democracy.

Objective Tambahan:

1. Foster critical thinking and analytical abilities among students by juxtaposing ancient and modern interpretations of ethics.

Introduction

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

The introduction aims to engage students and review previously covered concepts in an interactive format. Through problem-based scenarios, students will be encouraged to apply their existing understanding of ethics and democracy to real-life situations, setting the stage for more detailed discussions and critical evaluations during class. Using historical or contemporary examples underlines the importance of exploring ethics for mastering and maintaining democracy in practical contexts.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Imagine you’re a leader in a community where members have varying opinions on what’s 'fair.' How would you use ethical principles to develop policies that align with democratic values?

2. Think about a scenario where laws are enforced in a country, but a segment of the population feels these laws are unjust. In what ways can ethics facilitate conflict resolution and uphold democracy?

Contextualization

To appreciate the role of ethics in democracy, let's look at the example of the civil rights movement in India, particularly during the struggle against colonial rule. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi employed ethical principles to advocate for equality and justice, which are vital supports in any democracy. This historical context illustrates how ethics steer political and social choices, significantly impacting the state of democracy.

Development

Duration: (75 - 85 minutes)

This development stage aims for students to apply ethics and democracy principles in practical and reflective scenarios. Each suggested activity encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and constructive dialogue. The designs promote interactivity and engagement, prompting creativity and analytical thinking while deepening students' comprehension of how ethics affects democratic practices across various contexts.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - Democracy in Practice: The City of Values

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Implement concepts of ethics and democracy in formulating a government plan while honing argumentation, negotiation, and critical thinking skills.

- Description: In this task, students will split into groups of up to 5 people, with each group representing a distinct political party in a fictional city named 'Vale dos Valores.' Each party will have its unique ethical and democratic priorities. Students must create a government framework that reflects their ethical beliefs while honouring core democratic principles.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to 5 members and assign a set of ethical values alongside a specific societal scenario to each group.

• Each group must devise a name and symbol for their party that encapsulates their values and vision.

• Draft a government framework detailing public policies, laws, and community initiatives that promote ethics and democracy in the 'City of Values.'

• Prepare a 10-minute presentation to advocate for your plan before the 'assembly' (the other groups), clarifying how your proposals respect ethical standards and support democracy.

• Engage in a debate, asking and answering questions from other groups concerning the feasibility and ethics of the proposed initiatives.

Activity 2 - Ethics in Action: The Justice Challenge

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Enhance critical analysis and ethical problem-solving skills within democratic contexts.

- Description: Here, students will confront a complex ethical issue in a fictional democratic society. Each group will receive a contentious case requiring them to apply ethical principles to find a resolution while taking various viewpoints and social effects into consideration.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students and assign each group a different ethical case to analyze.

• Students must scrutinize the case, identify main ethical dilemmas and involved stakeholders.

• Propose a resolution to the case that is both ethical and democratic, preparing a robust justification for their decisions.

• Present the solution and justification to the class, inviting feedback and inquiries from classmates.

• Engage in a discussion with other groups to probe various solutions and viewpoints on the issue.

Activity 3 - Building a Constitution: Values on Paper

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Engage in the constitution-writing process, highlighting the significance of ethical and democratic values in forming a society.

- Description: Students will work in groups, taking on the roles of the founders of a new nation. They will create a constitution that embodies ethical and democratic principles, debating which values are fundamental for the society they wish to establish.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to 5 students, each representing different political or social factions of a newly formed nation.

• Discuss and select the ethical and democratic values that will form the foundation of the new constitution.

• Draft articles for the constitution that reflect these values, justifying each decision throughout the process.

• Present the completed constitution to the 'constitutional convention' (the other groups), defending their choices and participating in discussions regarding possible amendments.

• Vote on proposed amendments and finalize the constitution for your country.

Feedback

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

This stage provides a platform for students to reflect on both practical and theoretical knowledge gained throughout the activities. The group discussion helps consolidate learning by allowing students to articulate their experiences and better grasp their peers' viewpoints. This exchange of ideas fosters a deeper understanding of ethics and democracy concepts while reinforcing the need for these values in governance and societal roles.

Group Discussion

After the activities, bring all students together for a comprehensive group discussion. Start with a quick recap of the activities, emphasizing the significance of applying ethics and democracy concepts in real-world contexts. Encourage each group to share their experiences, challenges encountered, and solutions proposed during the tasks. Create a respectful environment for every student to convey their thoughts and reflections.

Key Questions

1. What were the biggest challenges faced in integrating ethical principles into your government or constitution proposals?

2. In what ways did democratic principles shape your group's decision-making?

3. What insights about the interplay between ethics and democracy have you gained from these activities?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The aim of this concluding stage is to reinforce learning by reviewing covered content and underscoring the link between theory and practice. This moment is critical for students to think about how the concepts learned are applicable in their lives and how this knowledge equips them to engage meaningfully and ethically in society. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of studying ethics and democratic values for individual and collective growth.

Summary

In this conclusion, we encapsulate the main points discussed regarding ethics and democratic values, underscoring how ethics from ancient times to the present shapes democratic practices. We revisit theoretical frameworks and practical applications covered during the activities, highlighting changes and the persistent relevance of ethical standards in governance and society.

Theory Connection

Today's lesson intertwined theory and practice, allowing students to apply ethics and democracy concepts in mock scenarios, showcasing the real-world applicability of theoretical knowledge in political choices. The activities were structured to mirror real situations, enabling students to grasp the complexities and significance of ethical and democratic values in addressing dilemmas and formulating policies.

Closing

The topics discussed today directly contribute to students' civic education. Grasping ethics and democratic values is crucial for active and responsible involvement in society, empowering individuals to make well-informed choices and partake in crafting a fair and equitable community. The skills developed and insights gained are essential for everyday life and for acting as conscientious and ethical citizens in any democracy.