Decision Scenario Activity

Instructions: In your groups, choose one or two of the following scenarios. Apply the 5-step decision-making process we discussed to each scenario. Be prepared to share your process and your final decision with the class.

Scenario 1: The Weekend Dilemma

Your best friend is having a big birthday party on Saturday night, and you've been looking forward to it for weeks. However, you also have a major history project due on Monday that you haven't started yet. You know if you go to the party, you won't have enough time to do a good job on the project. Your history grade is already a bit low.

Decision-Making Process:

1. Identify the Decision:
   
   
   

2. Gather Information: (What do you need to know? Who can you talk to?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Identify Alternatives: (What are your options?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Evaluate Alternatives: (Pros, Cons, Values Alignment for each option)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Make a Decision & Act: (What will you do? What are the first steps?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: The Club Conundrum

You are passionate about both robotics and debate. Both clubs meet on the same day after school. You can only commit to one due to your other responsibilities. Both clubs offer opportunities that genuinely interest you and could benefit your college applications.

Decision-Making Process:

1. Identify the Decision:
   
   
   

2. Gather Information: (What do you need to know? Who can you talk to?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Identify Alternatives: (What are your options?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Evaluate Alternatives: (Pros, Cons, Values Alignment for each option)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Make a Decision & Act: (What will you do? What are the first steps?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: The Part-Time Job Offer

You've been offered a great part-time job at a local coffee shop, which would give you some much-needed spending money and valuable work experience. However, the hours conflict with your regular study time for your most challenging class, AP Calculus. Your parents want you to focus on academics, but they also understand your desire for independence.

Decision-Making Process:

1. Identify the Decision:
   
   
   

2. Gather Information: (What do you need to know? Who can you talk to?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Identify Alternatives: (What are your options?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Evaluate Alternatives: (Pros, Cons, Values Alignment for each option)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Make a Decision & Act: (What will you do? What are the first steps?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Values Alignment Discussion Guide

Instructions: After working through your scenarios, use these prompts to guide our class discussion. Think critically about your group's choices and be prepared to share your insights.

Discussion Prompts:

1. Scenario Overview: Which scenario did your group choose? Briefly describe the dilemma.
   
   
   
   
2. The Process: Walk us through the 5-step decision-making process your group used. What was the most challenging step for your group?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Values Check: How did your personal values, or the values you identified in the scenario, influence your group's evaluation of alternatives and the final decision?
   • Example: If "education" is a high value, how did that impact the Weekend Dilemma?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
4. Anticipating Outcomes: What were the most significant potential positive and negative outcomes you anticipated for your chosen decision?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. No "Right" Answer?: Do you think there was one single "right" answer for your scenario, or multiple well-reasoned answers? Explain your reasoning.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Real-World Connections: How might using this 5-step process help you with real-life decisions you face outside of school?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Takeaways: What is one key takeaway or piece of advice you would offer someone struggling to make a difficult decision?
   
   
   
   

Decision Reflection Journal

Instructions: Choose a personal decision you are currently facing, or one you anticipate making soon. Use the 5-step decision-making process to reflect on and plan for this decision. Write your responses below.

My Personal Decision:

1. Identify the Decision:

What exactly needs to be decided? Be clear and specific.

2. Gather Information:

What information do you need to help you make this decision? Who can you talk to? What resources can you use?

3. Identify Alternatives:

What are all your possible options or courses of action? Brainstorm as many as you can.

4. Evaluate Alternatives:

For each of your alternatives, list the potential pros and cons. How does each option align with your personal values (what is important to you)?

Option 1:

Pros:

Cons:

Values Alignment:

Option 2:

Pros:

Cons:

Values Alignment:

(Add more options as needed)

5. Make a Decision & Act:

Based on your evaluation, what decision will you make? What are the first 2-3 steps you need to take to put your decision into action?

Reflection Questions:

• How did using this structured process feel? Was it helpful or challenging?
  
  
  
  
• Did you discover anything new about your values or priorities while working through this decision?