Lesson Plan
Decision-Making Lesson Plan
Enable adult learners with disabilities to use a five-step decision-making model to define real-life choices, evaluate options, and create a personalized action plan.
This lesson empowers learners to gain confidence and independence by practicing structured decision-making in daily living, finances, and personal goals, leading to better outcomes and self-determination.
Audience
Adult learners with disabilities
Time
90 minutes
Approach
Model, practice, and reflect.
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Print or digitally assemble the following:
- Review the five-step structured decision-making model to ensure clarity.
- Customize or select scenarios tailored to the learner's daily living or financial goals.
- Prepare any assistive tools or accommodations the learner may need.
Step 1
Introduction & Goal Setting
10 minutes
- Greet the learner and establish rapport.
- Discuss one or two current decisions they’re facing (e.g., budgeting, meal planning, scheduling).
- Set clear objectives: understand the model and apply it to a personal scenario.
- Explain how today’s session will help build confidence and independence.
Step 2
Present Structured Decision-Making Model
15 minutes
- Display and review the Decision-Making Model Diagram.
- Explain each step: 1) Identify Decision 2) Gather Information 3) Evaluate Options 4) Make Choice 5) Reflect & Adjust.
- Use simple, concrete language and check comprehension with questions.
- Encourage the learner to take notes or highlight key points on the diagram.
Step 3
Apply Model to Personal Scenario
20 minutes
- Provide the Personal Scenarios Worksheet.
- Guide the learner in selecting a real decision from their daily life or finances.
- Complete each worksheet section together: define the decision, list information needed, brainstorm options, weigh pros/cons.
- Offer prompts or examples if the learner is unsure.
Step 4
Role-Play Practice
20 minutes
- Introduce Role-Play Scenario Cards.
- Have the learner pick a card depicting a decision scenario (e.g., choosing a grocery plan).
- Role-play the situation, guiding them through the model steps out loud.
- Provide supportive feedback, praise accurate application, and gently correct misunderstandings.
Step 5
Reflection & Personalized Action Plan
15 minutes
- Hand out the Reflection Journal Template.
- Ask the learner to journal about: what felt easy or challenging, lessons learned, and strategies to improve.
- Help them draft a simple action plan: next decision to tackle, steps to follow, who to ask for support.
- Set a timeline or reminder for follow-up.
Step 6
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
10 minutes
- Summarize the five-step model and its benefits.
- Review the personalized action plan and confirm understanding.
- Discuss how to access these materials later and who to contact for support.
- Schedule a follow-up session or check-in to reinforce skills.
Slide Deck
Empowered Choices
Structured Decision-Making for Independence
90-Minute Individual Session
Adult Learners with Disabilities — Tier 3 Individual Support
Welcome the learner and introduce yourself. Explain the session goal: to learn a simple five-step decision-making model and practice using it for real-life choices. Emphasize confidence and independence.
Why Decision-Making Matters
• Builds confidence and independence
• Helps break down complex choices
• Reduces regret and second-guessing
• Supports daily living, finances, and personal goals
Explain why structured decision-making matters: reduces stress, increases self-determination, and leads to better outcomes. Use a relatable example, such as choosing meals or planning a budget.
Five-Step Decision-Making Model
- Identify Decision
- Gather Information
- Evaluate Options
- Make Choice
- Reflect & Adjust
Introduce the five-step model with the Decision-Making Model Diagram. Show the diagram on screen or hand out a copy. Point to each step in turn.
Step 1: Identify Decision
• Define exactly what you need to decide
• Focus on one decision at a time
• Phrase it as a question or statement
Step 1 is about naming the decision clearly. Use a personal example: “Deciding on a weekly grocery plan.” Ask the learner to say a decision they’re facing.
Step 2: Gather Information
• List what you need to know
• Identify reliable sources (people, websites, brochures)
• Note any tools or supports required
Step 2 involves gathering facts and resources. Encourage listing places to find information, people to ask, and any tools needed.
Step 3: Evaluate Options
• Brainstorm possible options
• List pros and cons for each
• Consider personal values and goals
Step 3 walks through weighing pros and cons. Demonstrate with two options, pointing out benefits and drawbacks. Encourage use of simple charts or lists.
Step 4: Make Your Choice
• Review evaluations and select the best option
• State your decision clearly
• Commit to taking action
Step 4 is making the actual choice. Emphasize trusting the process, selecting the best option based on evaluation, and committing to it.
Step 5: Reflect & Adjust
• Review what happened after your decision
• Record lessons learned
• Adjust your approach for next time
Step 5 is reflecting on the outcome. Explain tracking results and learning from what went well or what could improve. Introduce the Reflection Journal Template.
Apply the Model: Personal Scenario
- Choose a real decision from daily life or finances
- Complete each worksheet section:
- Decision statement
- Information needed
- Options with pros/cons
- Discuss as you go
Guide the learner to use their own scenario. Provide the Personal Scenarios Worksheet. Walk through each section together.
Role-Play Practice
• Pick a scenario card
• Act out gathering information and evaluating options
• Walk through all five steps out loud
• Receive feedback and refine your approach
Introduce the Role-Play Scenario Cards. Encourage active participation by switching roles. Provide supportive feedback and praise.
Reflection & Action Plan
• Journal: what was easy or hard?
• Note key takeaways
• Create a simple action plan:
- Next decision to tackle
- Steps to follow
- Who to ask for help
Hand out the Reflection Journal Template. Prompt the learner to write about their experience: feelings, challenges, and insights. Then help them plan next steps using what they learned.
Next Steps & Resources
• Review the five-step model benefits
• Access session materials:
- Decision-Making Model Diagram
- Personal Scenarios Worksheet
- Role-Play Scenario Cards
- Reflection Journal Template
• Plan your next practice session
Summarize the session and reinforce each model step. Confirm the learner knows how to access materials again and schedule a follow-up check-in.
Reading
Decision-Making Model Diagram
Use this diagram to follow a simple, five-step process for making clear, confident choices.
Flow of Steps
Identify Decision → Gather Information → Evaluate Options → Make Choice → Reflect & Adjust
Step 1: Identify Decision
• Define exactly what you need to decide.
• Phrase it as a clear question or statement (e.g., “Which grocery plan should I use this week?”).
• Focus on one decision at a time.
Step 2: Gather Information
• List what you need to know to make an informed choice.
• Identify reliable sources: people, websites, flyers, or tools.
• Note any supports or accommodations you may need (calculators, pictures, plain-language guides).
Step 3: Evaluate Options
• Brainstorm possible solutions or paths.
• For each option, make a simple pros and cons list.
• Consider your personal values, goals, time, and budget.
Step 4: Make Choice
• Review your evaluations and select the best option.
• State your decision clearly and commit to a next step (e.g., “I will buy groceries on Tuesday at the discount store”).
• Plan any immediate actions needed to get started.
Step 5: Reflect & Adjust
• After you act, review what happened.
• Note what went well and what was challenging.
• Record lessons learned and adjust your approach for next time.
Use this diagram alongside the Personal Scenarios Worksheet and Reflection Journal Template to practice each step with your own real-life decisions.
Worksheet
Personal Scenarios Worksheet
Use this worksheet with the Decision-Making Model Diagram to apply each step of the model to a decision in your life.
1. Identify Decision
Describe the decision you are facing:
2. Gather Information
What information do you need to make this decision?
List possible sources (people, websites, tools) where you can find this information:
3. Evaluate Options
List at least two options you could choose:
Option A
- Description:
- Pros:
- Cons:
Option B
- Description:
- Pros:
- Cons:
(Add more options if needed)
4. Make Your Choice
Which option will you choose? Why?
What is the first action you will take to follow through on your choice?
5. Reflect & Adjust
After you act, return here to reflect on your decision.
What went well?
What challenges did you face?
What will you do differently next time?
Activity
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Use these scenario cards to practice the five-step decision-making model. For each card, take turns playing the decision-maker and a helper (friend, counselor, or support person). Walk through Steps 1–5 out loud.
Card 1: Weekly Grocery Plan
You have $60 to spend on groceries for the next week. Your goals are to buy healthy foods, stay within budget, and reduce waste. Decide which items to purchase and where to shop.
Card 2: Transportation Choice
You need to get to a medical appointment across town tomorrow at 10 AM.
Options:
- Public bus: $2 each way, ride takes 40 minutes, fixed schedule.
- Rideshare: $12 one-way, ride takes 15 minutes, pick-up on demand.
Decide which option to choose.
Card 3: Healthy Meal vs. Convenience
It’s 6 PM and you’re deciding dinner plans.
Options:
- Cook a healthy meal at home (need to buy ingredients and spend 45 minutes).
- Order take-out (costs more, delivered in 20 minutes).
Decide what to do.
Card 4: Managing Monthly Bills
Your monthly income is $800. You have rent ($400), utilities ($100), and phone bill ($50). You want to save $100 for an emergency fund.
Decide how to allocate the remaining money and which payments to prioritize if you fall short.
Card 5: Social Activity Planning
A friend invited you to a movie night on Friday, but you also have an art class you’ve been wanting to try.
Options:
- Go to the movie night (free, social).
- Enroll in the art class ($20, meets at the same time).
Decide which activity to choose.
Card 6: Free Time Use
You have three hours of free time this Saturday. You want to relax and also work toward personal goals.
Options:
- Watch a TV series for entertainment.
- Practice job-related skills online (e.g., resume writing).
- Go for a walk to stay active.
Choose and plan your time.
To use:
- Read the scenario.
- Identify the decision and gather information.
- Brainstorm and evaluate options.
- Make your choice and plan the first action.
- Reflect on your role-play experience and adjust your approach.
Journal
Reflection Journal Template
Use this template to record your thoughts after using the decision-making model. Be honest and detailed to help you grow.
1. Decision Worked On
What decision did you apply the model to today?
2. What Went Well?
Describe the parts of the process that felt easy or successful.
3. Challenges & Surprises
What was difficult or unexpected during your decision-making?
4. Lessons Learned
What did you learn about yourself, your values, or the process?
5. Next Steps
What will you do differently next time? How will you apply these lessons?
6. Support & Resources
Who can help you as you follow through on this decision? What will you ask of them?
7. Follow-Up Plan
When will you check in with yourself or a supporter to review your progress?
Use this journal regularly to build confidence and refine your decision-making skills over time.