Pre Production/ Lesson 15
[Use the image displayed on the screen [PDF HERE] or draw an image of a tree and branches on the board. Whatever scenario you use, be sure to write the brief initial decision point on or by the tree trunk, then fill in from there.] If you have time, repeat this activity on Slides 6 and 7, using a different scenario.
T: Now let’s turn our attention to thinking more about responsible decision-making by using the decision-making tree. The objective of this activity is to help you explore the process of making responsible decisions by considering potential consequences and evaluating your opinions.
T: Part of responsible decision-making is thinking ahead and considering the consequences of one’s actions. The decision-making tree will help us consider multiple possible outcomes to a situation and discern the best one for our intended goal.
[Draw or print a large tree image with branches on the whiteboard, with the trunk representing the initial decision point]
[Present a common high school scenario where a decision needs to be made - see examples below.]
Possible Scenario Examples:
A student must decide between joining the school soccer team or the debate club, both of which require a significant time commitment. They need to consider their interests, future goals, and current academic workload. A group of friends is pressuring a student to skip class and go to the mall. The student must decide whether to go along with the group or stay in class and face potential social consequences. A student is spending several hours a day on social media and notices it's affecting their school performance and sleep. They must decide how to balance their online time with their responsibilities. A student is struggling with a difficult assignment and a friend offers to give them the answers. They need to decide whether to accept the help or complete the work on their own. A high school junior is trying to decide between focusing on a STEM career path or pursuing their passion for the arts. They need to weigh their interests, skills, and potential career opportunities. A student’s friend is becoming increasingly negative and critical, impacting their self-esteem. The student must decide whether to address the issue, distance themselves, or seek help from a trusted adult.
[Have students brainstorm potential options for each scenario (ex; join the soccer team, join the debate club, don’t join either)
[Write each option by a separate branch of the tree.]
[For each option, have students use sticky notes to write down potential consequences (positive and negative) and have them attach them to the corresponding branch.]
[Encourage students to think about immediate consequences and long-term effects.]
(20 minutes)