Lesson Plan: The Democratic Republic of Congo gains its independence from Belgium

Details of the Lesson

This lesson is designed for high school students studying history. It will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.

Learning Outcomes

• Know the key events that led to the Democratic Republic of Congo gaining independence from Belgium.
• Understand the impact of colonialism on the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Can analyze primary sources to gain a deeper understanding of historical events.

Methodology

This lesson will be delivered through a combination of lecture, group discussion, and primary source analysis. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions throughout the lesson.

Resources/Materials Required

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen
• Handouts of primary sources
• Access to the internet

Activities

Introduction (10 minutes)

The teacher will introduce the topic of the Democratic Republic of Congo gaining independence from Belgium. Students will be asked to share what they already know about the topic.

Lecture (30 minutes)

The teacher will give a lecture on the key events that led to the Democratic Republic of Congo gaining independence from Belgium. The lecture will cover the impact of colonialism on the country and the role of key figures such as Patrice Lumumba.

Group Discussion (20 minutes)

Students will be divided into small groups to discuss the lecture and share their thoughts on the topic. The teacher will circulate among the groups to answer questions and facilitate discussion.

Primary Source Analysis (20 minutes)

Students will be given handouts of primary sources related to the topic, such as speeches by Patrice Lumumba or news articles from the time period. They will work in pairs to analyze the sources and answer questions about their content.

Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

The teacher will lead a class discussion to summarize the key points of the lesson and answer any remaining questions.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on participation in group discussion, completion of the primary source analysis, and a short written reflection on the lesson.