Life Orientation - Term 4 - Week 3

Decision making is a crucial skill that affects our daily lives. It involves identifying options, weighing the pros and cons, and choosing the best course of action. Effective decision making can lead to positive outcomes, while poor choices can result in negative consequences. In this lesson, we will explore how to make informed decisions by considering our values, the potential impact on ourselves and others, and the importance of respectful behavior.

Let's consider a scenario: You are invited to a party where you know there will be alcohol, but you are underage. What factors should you consider in making your decision? First, think about your values—do you want to stay true to your commitment to not drink? Next, consider the potential consequences—could attending lead to peer pressure? Finally, reflect on how your decision might affect your relationships with friends and family. This structured approach helps clarify your thoughts and leads to healthier choices.

In pairs, students will role-play different scenarios that require decision making. For example, one student could play a character who is faced with peer pressure to skip school, while the other plays a supportive friend. After the role-play, discuss as a class what factors influenced the decisions made and how respectful behavior can change outcomes. This practice helps students see the real-life implications of their choices and encourages them to think critically.

Students will write a short reflection on a recent decision they made, describing the process they went through and the outcome. They will then set a small goal related to improving their decision-making skills, such as practicing saying 'no' to peer pressure or taking time to think before making a choice. This reflection encourages self-awareness and personal growth in decision-making.

• Identify the problem
• Consider the consequences
• Make a choice
• Evaluate the decision

Answer: Identify the problem

The first step is to identify the problem or decision that needs to be made.

• Skipping meals to lose weight
• Eating a balanced diet
• Staying up all night
• Ignoring exercise

Answer: Eating a balanced diet

Eating a balanced diet supports overall health and well-being.

Answer: Values and consequences

Considering your values and the potential consequences helps guide better decision-making.

• It can lead to positive choices
• It can make you feel confident
• It can lead to unhealthy choices
• It has no effect

Answer: It can lead to unhealthy choices

Peer pressure can push individuals to make choices that go against their values or well-being.

Answer: You can politely say, 'Thank you for the invite, but I prefer not to.'

Using polite language shows respect for both yourself and the person inviting you.

• Blaming others for the outcome
• Ignoring the results
• Learning from the experience
• Avoiding future decisions

Answer: Learning from the experience

Reflection helps individuals understand what worked and what didn't, leading to better future decisions.

• Interrupting others
• Listening actively