Decision-Making Activity Guide

Overview

This guide provides detailed instructions for an engaging and interactive exercise in decision-making. Students will simulate various decision-making scenarios to explore potential outcomes and understand the process of evaluating choices.

Instructions

Step 1: Role-Playing Scenarios

• Divide students into small groups.
  
• Assign each group a real-life scenario (e.g., peer pressure to break a rule, choosing between studying or leisure, or standing up for someone being bullied).
  
• Within each group, assign roles such as decision-maker, supporter, and observer.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 2: Decision Mapping

• Ask each group to discuss the assigned scenario and list possible decisions the decision-maker might make.
  
• For every decision, have the group map out both short-term and long-term consequences.
  
• Encourage students to think critically about potential risks and benefits associated with each choice.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 3: Group Discussion

• Bring the class back together and ask each group to present their scenario and the decision map they created.
  
• Facilitate a class discussion using these questions:
  • What choices did you consider, and why?
  • Were some consequences surprising? Why or why not?
  • How might similar decisions impact real-life situations?
    
    
    
    
    
    

Step 4: Reflection

• Provide students with reflection prompts to answer individually:
  • How did exploring different outcomes change the way you think about decisions?
  • What is one important lesson about evaluating your choices?
• Encourage students to write their reflections on a piece of paper or digitally.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Follow-Up Points

• Invite students to share their reflections anonymously on a class bulletin board.
  
• Discuss how this exercise might help in making future decisions in school and at home.
  
• Emphasize the importance of taking time to think before making decisions and considering all possible consequences.
  
  
  
  
  
  

This activity is designed to promote thoughtful decision-making and deepen the understanding of consequences, preparing students for real-world challenges.

Choices Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you explore different decisions and understand the possible outcomes of each choice. Work through each scenario and answer the questions below. Use the space provided for your thoughts, potential choices, and predicted outcomes.

Scenario 1: Choosing Friends

Imagine you have a choice between spending time with a group of friends who encourage positive behavior and another group that often makes risky choices.

1. What are some factors you might consider when deciding which group to spend time with?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. List two potential positive outcomes of choosing the group with positive behavior.
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Write one possible negative consequence of choosing the group that makes risky choices.
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Reflect on your decision-making process. How would you decide what is best for you?
   
   
   
   
   
   

------------------------------------------------------------

Scenario 2: Handling Peer Pressure

Imagine you are at a party, and some peers are encouraging you to do something you are not comfortable with.

1. What are some key questions you could ask yourself before making a decision?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Write down two alternative actions you could take instead of giving in to peer pressure.
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What could be the short-term and long-term outcomes of each alternative? Write your thoughts.
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How might your decision affect your personal growth or relationships?
   
   
   
   
   
   

------------------------------------------------------------

Scenario 3: Balancing School and Leisure

Imagine you have a major homework assignment and a chance to hang out with your friends.

1. What are the pros and cons of choosing to do your homework first?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What might be the consequences if you choose to prioritize leisure over schoolwork?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Think of a compromise that could allow you to enjoy both. Describe your solution.
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How would you explain your decision to a friend who disagrees with your plan?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Remember: There are no right or wrong answers—this exercise is meant to help you practice thoughtful decision-making by considering various consequences. Use the space above to guide you as you write down your ideas and reflections.