Lesson Plan
Values and Decision-Making Lesson Plan
Students will identify and prioritize their core personal values and apply those values to real-world decision-making scenarios, fostering self-awareness and ethical reasoning.
Understanding core values empowers students to make intentional personal and professional decisions, supports social-emotional learning, and promotes consistency between beliefs and actions.
Audience
High School Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive exploration, group dialogue, and personal reflection.
Materials
- Values and Decisions Slide Deck, - Values Reflection Journal, - Chart Paper and Markers, - Sticky Notes, and - Pens or Pencils
Prep
Prepare Materials and Review
15 minutes
- Review the full Values and Decisions Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with each activity.
- Print one copy of the Values Reflection Journal per student.
- Set up chart paper on the wall or whiteboard, divided into groups for collaborative posting.
- Gather sticky notes and pens/pencils for each group.
- Ensure the classroom layout supports both whole-class presentation and small-group seating.
Step 1
Introduction and Objectives
10 minutes
- Welcome students and share the session’s goals: identifying core values and applying them to decisions.
- Display Slide 1–3 of the Values and Decisions Slide Deck to define “values,” “priorities,” and “decision-making.”
- Invite a few students to share examples of values they admire.
Step 2
Identifying Core Values
15 minutes
- Hand out the Values Reflection Journal and ask students to review the provided list of 30 common values.
- Instruct students to select their top five values and write a brief rationale for each in their journals.
- Circulate and offer prompts (e.g., “Why does honesty rank high for you?”) for deeper reflection.
Step 3
Group Values Discussion
15 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 4–5.
- Provide each group with chart paper and markers.
- Ask groups to share their top values and look for common themes; record shared values on chart paper.
- Use sticky notes to vote on the group’s top three values by placing dots next to them.
Step 4
Decision-Making Scenarios
15 minutes
- Present two real-life scenarios on Slides 10–12 of the Values and Decisions Slide Deck.
- In the same groups, students discuss how their top shared values would guide choices in each scenario.
- Each group reports back one scenario and explains their decision framework to the class.
Step 5
Personal Reflection and Action Plan
5 minutes
- Ask students to return to their journals and jot down one concrete action they’ll take this week to honor a top personal value.
- Encourage volunteers to share their action plans.
- Close with a reminder that values-based decision-making is an ongoing process.
Slide Deck
Your Values, Your Choices
A workshop on how personal values shape decision-making
High School Students | 60 minutes
Use a soft gradient background (#cfd8dc to #b0bec5). Welcome students warmly and introduce the workshop theme. Explain that this deck will guide them through identifying and applying their core values.
Workshop Objectives
- Define “values,” “priorities,” and “decision-making.”
- Identify and prioritize your top personal values.
- Practice applying values to real-world scenarios.
- Create an action plan to honor your values this week.
Highlight the importance of clarity around values. Invite students to think about moments when they felt particularly proud of a decision.
What Are Values?
• Core beliefs about what matters most in life
• Serve as a personal compass for choices and behavior
• Examples: honesty, kindness, independence
Explain that values are deeply held beliefs that guide behavior. Provide examples like honesty, creativity, and respect.
What Are Priorities?
• The ranking of your values by importance
• Reveal what you act on first when choices conflict
• Example: valuing family over entertainment when time is limited
Clarify that priorities reflect how values rank in importance. Discuss how priorities can shift over time or with context.
What Is Decision-Making?
• The process of selecting a course of action
• Involves weighing options against your values and priorities
• Values-based decisions support authenticity and long-term goals
Describe decision-making as the process of choosing between options. Stress that values alignment leads to greater satisfaction and integrity.
Reflection Journal
Please open your Values Reflection Journal.
• Review the list of 30 common values.
• Circle your top five values.
• Write a brief rationale for each choice.
Introduce the journal and its 30-value list. Encourage students to keep their journals for future reflection.
Identifying Your Top Values
- Select your top five values from the journal list.
- For each, jot down why it ranks high for you.
- Be honest and reflective—no right or wrong answers.
Give clear timing: 15 minutes. Circulate, ask probing questions (“Why does this value matter to you?”).
Group Values Discussion
- Share your top five values within your group.
- Identify themes and list shared values.
- Vote on the group’s top three values using sticky-note dots.
Arrange students in groups of 4–5. Distribute chart paper and markers. Model one example before they begin.
Scenario 1: Scholarship Dilemma
You’re offered a scholarship that conflicts with family expectations to join the family business. How do your group’s top three values guide your choice?
Discuss and prepare to share your reasoning.
Read Scenario 1 aloud. Encourage groups to reference their top three shared values when planning their response.
Scenario 2: Ethical Shortcut
You discover a software bug that could give your team an unfair advantage in a competition. Do you report it or remain silent? Which values influence your decision and why?
Introduce Scenario 2. Remind students to apply the same values-based framework.
Group Reporting
Each group:
• Select one scenario to present.
• Explain which values guided your decision.
• Describe the outcome you’d choose and why.
After group discussions, invite each group to present one scenario and their decision-making process (2 minutes each).
Personal Action Plan
• In your journal, write one specific action you’ll take this week to honor a top value.
• Example: If ‘kindness’ is a top value, plan a thoughtful gesture for a friend.
• Volunteers can share their plans.
Encourage students to choose a concrete, achievable action tied to one of their personal top values.
Thank You & Next Steps
• Values guide every choice you make.
• Keep your Reflection Journal and revisit it often.
• Apply these principles in academic, social, and personal challenges.
Thank students for their participation. Remind them values-based decision-making is lifelong. Suggest revisiting their journals regularly.
Journal
Values Reflection Journal
Part 1: Common Values
Below is a list of 30 common values. Review each one and consider what it means to you.
- Honesty - Kindness - Respect - Integrity - Responsibility
- Creativity - Courage - Perseverance - Compassion - Fairness
- Gratitude - Humility - Loyalty - Trust - Innovation
- Freedom - Empathy - Teamwork - Leadership - Authenticity
- Balance - Ambition - Curiosity - Wisdom - Generosity
- Justice - Friendship - Honor - Resilience - Openness
Part 2: Select Your Top Five
Circle or highlight the five values above that resonate most deeply with you.
Part 3: Rationale for Each Value
For each of your top five values, write a brief explanation of why it’s important to you.
-
Value #1: _______________________________
Rationale:
-
Value #2: _______________________________
Rationale:
-
Value #3: _______________________________
Rationale:
-
Value #4: _______________________________
Rationale:
-
Value #5: _______________________________
Rationale:
Part 4: Deep Reflection
Which one of these values resonates with you most, and how has it shaped a decision or action in your life so far?
Part 5: Action Plan
Choose one of your top five values and identify one concrete action you will take in the coming week to honor or practice this value.
- Chosen Value: _______________________________
- Action Step: __________________________________________________________
Keep this journal close and revisit your reflections regularly. Values guide every decision you make—use these insights to stay true to yourself.