Responsible Decision Making – Grade 6 – Lesson 2
Objectives:
- Students will recognize common decision points in daily life and understand the frequency of their decision-making.
- Students will grasp the essential elements of a simple decision-making model.
- Students will apply the decision-making model to everyday situations.
Introduction:
How many of you have made a decision today?
Start by asking students how many decisions they have made today. Acknowledge that decision-making is a constant part of everyday life, from simple choices like what to eat or wear to more complex ones.
Have students popcorn other simple decisions they make on a daily basis.
People encounter hundreds or even thousands of decisions in their everyday lives. Many of these decisions are made instinctively or unconsciously, without even realizing that a choice was made. For example, something as simple as getting up in the morning or deciding what to do first when they arrive at school involves making a decision, even if it’s not consciously acknowledged.
Distribute the following handout.
Activity 1: Opportunity Costs
Identifying Decision Costs: Discuss how some decisions come with costs or trade-offs. Ask students to think of situations where their decisions might have consequences (e.g., choosing to hang out with friends before school or reviewing notes for a test first period).
Discuss that there are many times when we are faced with tough problems that require more consideration and effective decision-making, and sometimes these decisions come with a cost.
Analyzing Potential Costs: Below are several examples of different scenarios students may encounter. Choose a couple and have students consider the possible costs associated with each decision.
- Peer Pressure: Students might face situations where they are pressured by their peers to engage in activities they are uncomfortable with, such as trying drugs, skipping class, or participating in harmful pranks. Making a decision under peer pressure can lead to negative consequences for their well-being or reputation.
- Time Management: 6th graders often juggle various responsibilities, including schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal interests. Deciding to procrastinate on assignments or neglecting important tasks can result in poor academic performance and increased stress.
- Social Media Usage: With the prevalence of social media, students may face decisions about what content to share, how to interact with others online, and how much time to spend on social platforms. Making poor choices in this realm can lead to cyberbullying, privacy issues, or a negative online presence.
- Conflict Resolution: Students might encounter conflicts with classmates, friends, or family members. Decisions on how to handle these conflicts can impact relationships and emotional well-being. Reacting aggressively or avoiding conflict resolution altogether can worsen the situation.
- Impulse Buying: Some students may encounter situations where they have access to money, either their own or from their parents, and are tempted to make impulsive purchases. This can lead to financial strain or wasteful spending on unnecessary items.
- Online Safety: When using the internet, students may face decisions about sharing personal information, interacting with strangers, or clicking on suspicious links. Failing to make cautious choices online can result in privacy breaches or exposure to cyber threats.
In each of these scenarios, students need to make responsible decisions by carefully considering the potential negative outcomes and weighing the consequences before acting. Encouraging thoughtful decision-making and discussing potential risks with students can help them navigate these situations more effectively.
Activity 2: Decision-Making Model
Display the following decision-making model for the class and explain its steps.
Applying the Model: Use a specific situation (such as the cafeteria hangout vs. studying for a test) to apply the decision-making model. Remind students to consider their interests, the interests of others, brainstorm alternatives, and seek advice if needed.
Risk Assessment: When making decisions, it’s important to consider not only their own interests and feelings but also those of others. Encourage students to engage in brainstorming and seek advice from others to gather a comprehensive list of alternatives. Emphasize that projecting potential outcomes is crucial, especially when taking risks. Additionally, students should be aware of their own limits regarding risk-taking, particularly in situations that could potentially affect friendships or relationships.
Closing
Display the following scenario for the class and have a student read it aloud:
Display a scenario for the class, where students have to decide between going to a movie with their best friend or attending a party with someone they want to be friends with. Instruct students to write a reflective piece on how they would use the decision-making steps to resolve the situation, listing possible alternatives and weighing the potential costs based on their chosen decision. Encourage them to think critically about the impacts of their choices and the values they hold in making responsible decisions.
You are invited to a movie with your best friend. Two days later, a person with whom you have wanted to have a friendship asks you to go to a party with him or her on the same night. You need to make a decision about what you are going to do.
Lesson adapted from: Missouri Department of Education