Decision Discussion Prompts

Use these questions to facilitate a class discussion after students have worked through their case studies.

1. How easy or difficult was it to apply the SEAL model to your case study? What challenges did your group face?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which step of the SEAL model did you find most challenging and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How might using this structured model change the way you approach decisions in your own life?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Can you think of a real-life situation (without sharing personal details if uncomfortable) where not fully thinking through consequences led to an unexpected or undesirable outcome?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. How do your personal values or long-term goals influence the "Analyze Consequences" step? Why is it important to consider them?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. What is one key takeaway or a piece of advice you would give to a friend about making better decisions?

Decision Dilemmas Worksheet

Instructions: Read the dilemmas below. In your group, choose one dilemma to work through. Apply the SEAL decision-making model to help the character make a thoughtful choice. Write your answers in the spaces provided.

Dilemma 1: The Weekend Party

Maria is invited to a big party on Friday night. Most of her friends are going, and she really wants to be there. However, she has a major history test on Monday that she hasn't studied much for. Her parents told her she needs to study for at least 3 hours over the weekend to improve her grade. She knows if she goes to the party, she probably won't get enough study time in.

Applying the SEAL Model:

S: Stop & Think

• What is the decision Maria needs to make?
  
  
  
• What are her goals in this situation (short-term and long-term)?
  
  
  
• What emotions might she be feeling?
  
  
  
  
  
  

E: Explore Options

• List at least three different options Maria could consider.
  
  
  
  
  
  

A: Analyze Consequences

• For each option you listed, what are the potential positive and negative consequences?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

L: Learn & Reflect

• What decision do you think Maria should make based on your analysis? Why?
  
  
  
• What is one thing Maria might learn from this situation, no matter what she chooses?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Dilemma 2: The Group Project Glitch

Liam is working on a major group project with two other students, Sarah and Tom. The project is due next week, and their grade depends heavily on it. Liam has done most of the work so far, and he notices that Sarah and Tom haven't been contributing much. They keep saying they'll catch up, but time is running out, and the quality of the project is suffering because of their lack of effort. Liam is worried about his own grade.

Applying the SEAL Model:

S: Stop & Think

• What is the decision Liam needs to make?
  
  
  
• What are his goals in this situation?
  
  
  
• What emotions might he be feeling?
  
  
  
  
  
  

E: Explore Options

• List at least three different options Liam could consider.
  
  
  
  
  
  

A: Analyze Consequences

• For each option you listed, what are the potential positive and negative consequences?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

L: Learn & Reflect

• What decision do you think Liam should make based on your analysis? Why?
  
  
  
• What is one thing Liam might learn from this situation, no matter what he chooses?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Create Your Own Dilemma (Optional Challenge)

• Think of a realistic dilemma that a high school student might face. Describe it below.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Now, apply the SEAL model to your own dilemma on a separate sheet of paper or discuss it with your group!

Decision Scenario Cards: Quick Choices, Quick Consequences

Instructions: In pairs or small groups, quickly read each scenario. For each scenario, identify:

1. The main choice the person needs to make.
2. One potential positive consequence of that choice.
3. One potential negative consequence of that choice.

Be ready to share your quick thoughts!

Scenario 1: The Urgent Text

You're in class, and your phone vibrates with a text from your best friend saying they have a major problem and need to talk right now. You know your teacher has a strict no-phone policy during class.

• Choice:
  
  
  
• Positive Consequence:
  
  
  
• Negative Consequence:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: Study or Socialize?

It's Saturday afternoon, and you have a big project due Monday. You planned to work on it all day. Then, your friends call, inviting you to hang out at the mall and catch a movie, something you haven't done in a while.

• Choice:
  
  
  
• Positive Consequence:
  
  
  
• Negative Consequence:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: The Broken Promise

You promised your younger sibling you'd help them with their homework after school. As you're leaving, a popular classmate invites you to an exclusive hangout session that you've really wanted to be a part of.

• Choice:
  
  
  
• Positive Consequence:
  
  
  
• Negative Consequence:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 4: The Tempting Shortcut

You're working on a major essay for English class. It's late, you're tired, and you find a website that offers pre-written essays on your topic. You know using it is cheating, but it would save you a lot of time and effort.

• Choice:
  
  
  
• Positive Consequence:
  
  
  
• Negative Consequence:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 5: Speaking Up or Staying Quiet?

You overhear a group of students making unkind comments about another student who isn't present. You feel uncomfortable, but you also don't want to get involved or draw attention to yourself.

• Choice:
  
  
  
• Positive Consequence:
  
  
  
• Negative Consequence: