Lesson Plan
Dilemma Diagnostics
Students will independently analyze a real-life ethical dilemma using a structured decision-making framework—identifying stakeholders, evaluating options, and mapping an actionable plan.
This lesson builds critical responsible decision-making skills by guiding 10th graders through real dilemmas, boosting ethical awareness, confidence, and personal accountability.
Audience
10th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Individual application of a step-by-step ethical decision process.
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Scenario Spotlight Slide Deck and select or customize a dilemma scenario.
- Print or distribute digital copies of Reflective Reasoning Prompts Journal, Ethics Action Map Worksheet, and Decision-Making Self-Assessment Rubric.
- Familiarize yourself with each step of the structured decision-making process to support independent student work.
Step 1
Introduction & Objective Setting
5 minutes
- Briefly explain the purpose: strengthen ethical reasoning and responsible decision-making.
- Share session objectives: analyze a dilemma, reflect on values, map actions, self-assess process.
- Outline the flow: scenario analysis, journaling, mapping, self-assessment, and debrief.
Step 2
Present Dilemma & Scenario Analysis
10 minutes
- Display the first scenario from the Scenario Spotlight Slide Deck.
- Instruct students to read individually and note key facts, stakeholders, and possible consequences.
- Encourage students to refer to the Dilemma Diagnostics framework while annotating.
Step 3
Reflective Reasoning Journaling
10 minutes
- Distribute the Reflective Reasoning Prompts Journal.
- Students answer prompts: What would you do, why, and which values guide you?
- Encourage detailed and honest reflections to deepen ethical insight.
Step 4
Ethics Action Mapping
10 minutes
- Provide each student with the Ethics Action Map Worksheet.
- Students select their chosen action and map out steps, resources needed, potential obstacles, and ethical principles upheld.
- Remind students to be realistic and principle-driven in their planning.
Step 5
Self-Assessment & Reflection
5 minutes
- Hand out the Decision-Making Self-Assessment Rubric.
- Students rate their analysis: clarity, thoroughness, value alignment, and confidence in the action plan.
- Prompt them to identify one area for improvement next time.
Step 6
Closure & Takeaways
5 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share one insight from their map or self-assessment.
- Summarize the structured decision-making steps: analyze, reflect, map, assess.
- Encourage students to apply this process to future real-life choices.
Slide Deck
Scenario Spotlight
Welcome to Scenario Spotlight!
Over the next few slides, you’ll explore four real-life dilemmas. For each:
• Identify key facts and stakeholders
• Consider possible consequences
• Reflect on which values are at stake
Introduce the purpose: present real-life dilemmas to spark individual analysis. Emphasize students should note facts, stakeholders, and values.
Scenario 1: The Exam Integrity Dilemma
You overhear two classmates planning to copy answers on tomorrow’s major exam. They ask you to share your study guide—and promise to return the favor later.
Guiding Questions:
• Who is affected by your choice?
• What could happen if you agree or refuse?
• Which values (honesty, loyalty, fairness) guide you?
Display the scenario. Give students 2–3 minutes to read and jot notes using the Dilemma Diagnostics framework.
Scenario 2: The Bystander Bullying Dilemma
You see a respected athlete repeatedly taunt and shove a smaller student in the hallway. Others are watching but no one steps in. Your phone is in hand—you could record or call for help.
Guiding Questions:
• What actions can you take (step in, report, record)?
• What risks and benefits accompany each option?
• Which ethical principles matter most here?
After reading, prompt students to annotate: Who benefits? Who is harmed? What pressures exist?
Scenario 3: The Lost Wallet Conundrum
You find a wallet on a cafeteria table containing cash and an ID with the owner’s details. There’s no staff around—do you pocket it, hand it in, or post about it online?
Guiding Questions:
• What does honesty require in this moment?
• How might different choices affect trust in your community?
• Which course of action aligns with your values?
Encourage realistic thinking: what resources or support might be needed?
Scenario 4: The Online Rumor Spread
A peer texts you a screenshot of a false rumor about another student. They ask you to forward it to others for a “laugh.” You know it’s untrue.
Guiding Questions:
• What are the potential harms of sharing?
• How could you verify or correct the information?
• Which responsibility do you hold as a digital citizen?
Highlight digital ethics and reputation impacts.
Journal
Reflective Reasoning Prompts
- Describe the dilemma you analyzed. What action did you choose, and why?
- Who are the key stakeholders affected by your decision? Explain how each is positively or negatively impacted.
- Which personal values (e.g., honesty, loyalty, respect, fairness) guided your choice? Provide specific examples from the scenario.
- What potential risks or unintended consequences did you consider before deciding? How did these influence your final choice?
- Identify one alternative action you could have taken. Why did you ultimately decide against it?
- Imagine someone challenges your decision. How would you explain or justify your action to them? Draft a brief response.
- Reflecting on this exercise, what would you do differently next time to strengthen your decision-making process?
Worksheet
Ethics Action Map Worksheet
- Action You Plan to Take:
Describe the specific action you decided on after analyzing the dilemma.
- Action Steps:
Outline each step needed to carry out your action. Be realistic and detailed.
• Step 1:
• Step 2:
• Step 3:
• Step 4 (optional):
- Resources Needed:
Identify people, information, tools, or support you will require.
- Potential Obstacles & Solutions:
List possible challenges and how you might address them.
- Ethical Principles Upheld:
Which values are you honoring by taking this action? Explain briefly.
- Monitoring & Adjustment:
How will you track progress and adapt your plan if things don’t go as expected?
Rubric
Decision-Making Self-Assessment Rubric
Use this rubric to evaluate your analysis and planning process. Circle the level that best describes your work for each criterion.
Scoring Guide
4 = Exemplary, 3 = Proficient, 2 = Developing, 1 = Beginning
| Criteria | 4 Exemplary | 3 Proficient | 2 Developing | 1 Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scenario Analysis | Accurately and comprehensively identifies all key facts, ethical issues, and potential consequences. | Identifies most key facts and consequences with minor omissions. | Recognizes some facts and consequences but misses important details. | Provides minimal or inaccurate identification of facts and consequences. |
| Stakeholder Insight | Thoroughly identifies all stakeholders and thoughtfully evaluates positive and negative impacts. | Identifies main stakeholders and outlines general impacts. | Identifies some stakeholders but offers limited impact analysis. | Misses major stakeholders or provides superficial analysis. |
| Value Alignment | Clearly articulates personal values guiding the decision and provides strong examples linking values to action. | States relevant values and generally explains their influence on the decision. | Mentions values but offers limited or vague explanation of their influence. | Does not identify guiding values or explanation is unclear. |
| Action Plan Feasibility | Presents a detailed, realistic plan with clear steps, resources, and anticipated obstacles/solutions. | Provides a feasible plan with some details but lacks full clarity on resources or obstacles. | Outlines basic steps, but plan lacks detail or realistic considerations. | Plan is vague or unrealistic, missing key steps and considerations. |
| Reflection & Justification | Delivers deep reflection on alternatives and risks; confidently justifies choice with clear, logical reasoning. | Reflects on alternatives and risks; offers a reasonable justification. | Provides limited reflection or justification, missing some considerations. | Reflection is minimal or justification is vague or missing. |
Total Score: ____ / 20
Next Steps
Identify one criterion where you scored a 2 or 1 and write one specific strategy to improve in that area: