A selection of resources around the ideas of Politics and Society Key thinker John Locke, all useful in revising his ideas and perspectives.
8 resources in this Learning Path
This booklet contains the NCCA biographies of all the Key thinkers named in the updated Politics and Society specification. This is an updated version of one previously linked from the site.
View full descriptionSuggestions for use: Background reading on the key thinkers for students. Can be assigned as reading alongside a topic or strand to encourage students to make links to the perspectives of the prescribed key thinkers.
Brief 6 min video introducing and explaining the thinking of the 17th century philosopher. Covers his philosophy on how to educate children; who should rule the nation; the role of the state in handling religious belief. Locke was an advocate for 'freedom of belief' and explained that the state had no role in restricting religious belief. It also covers the arguments that Locke puts forward for the right of people to overthrow governments.
View full descriptionStrand: 1. Power & Decision Making: School
Suggestions for use: Could be played to the class and followed by a discussion on what students understand to be his basic beliefs. Could also provide material for a consideration of how his thoughts differ from that of Hobbes.
Contrasts the various premises held by the political philosopehrs John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. Both men are considered 'social theorists' but both have quide different views on such issues as human nature and conflict.
View full descriptionSuggestions for use: Very useful document to show how Hobbes and Locke differ on some very basic principles. Students should look at this when considering their views on Power and decision making.
Podcast on the work of John Locke 16 Key thinkers Politics and Society
View full descriptionStrand: 4. Citizenship: Rights & Responsibilities
Strand unit: 5. Democratic Practices in Wider Society
Suggestions for use: Can be used independently or together with worksheet on Locke
Worksheet based on John Locke. The worksheet accompanies the podcast created by Grainne McKeever in discussion with Prof. Iseult Honohan in UCD.
View full descriptionStrand: 2. Power & Decision Making: National/EU
Strand unit: 1. The Making of the National Policy
Suggestions for use: Worksheet can be used independently or together with the podcast on John Locke
Article that explores issues of power, modern government, property and human rights in the light of John Locke's Second Treatise of Government. While it takes a certain advocacy approach it concludes that despite its flaws Locke's arguments are relevant today.
View full descriptionStrand: 5. Human Rights & Responsibilities: Ireland
Suggestions for use: Worth reading to stimulate discussion about the relevancy of Locke's theories today. Remember, though, that the article may carry a certain bias.
Strand: 1. Power & Decision Making: School
Suggestions for use: Worth reading to stimulate discussion about the relevancy of Locke's theories today. Remember, though, that the article may carry a certain bias.
Article exploring the political thinking of Locke. Covers his thoughts on property, civil society and revolution. Quite text heavy but solid information. Links to original material are not functioning.
View full descriptionStrand: 5. Human Rights & Responsibilities: Ireland
Suggestions for use: Probably more suited to the teacher initially. Dated appearance but potentially useful as an introduction to Locke and his thoughts.
The following PDST booklet 'An Integrated Approach to Learning, Teaching and Assessment' aids teachers in considering what methodologies could be used in class to support the inquiry process.
View full descriptionStrand: Teaching and Learning
Strand unit: Pedagogy
Suggestions for use: Placemat: (Page 73)
Placemat can be used to encourage students to share ideas and reach a consensus about a topic or goal. It can be used to activate prior knowledge of a topic among students. It can help students share problem solving techniques, take group notes during a video/oral presentation, to summerise learning after the class or to begin an opening review of a subsequent lesson.
Anticipation Exercise: (Page 35/36)
The anticipation exercise could be utilised to assess students prior knowledge of a topic. This will give the teacher a picture of the students’ awareness of the concepts involved. However it could also be used as an assessment tool after the learning to see if the students have understood the concepts which they were presented with.
Think-Pair-Square-Share (Page 71)
The think-pair-square-share methodology can be used throughout the inquiry process to enable reflection and discussion among the pupils on the stage of the inquiry or the economic knowledge being explored.
To register for a Scoilnet Account you will need to have a Teaching Council number and a roll number for your school in Ireland.
If you already have a Scoilnet Account then you can sign in here.
A Scoilnet account will allow you to upload your resources or weblinks to Scoilnet as well as enabling you to share and add resources to a favourites listing. Users who have a Scoilnet Account will also be able to fully access Scoilnet Maps and Census@School from home.
You need to login before you can add this resource to a Learning Path
Login