Life Orientation - Term 4 - Week 3

Decision making is a crucial skill that involves choosing between different options based on various factors. It requires critical thinking, evaluating the consequences of each choice, and understanding how those choices affect ourselves and others. In this lesson, we will explore the steps involved in making informed decisions, including identifying the problem, gathering information, considering alternatives, weighing the pros and cons, and making a choice.

Consider a scenario where a student is offered a chance to attend a party where alcohol will be present. The student must decide whether to go or not. By applying the decision-making process, the student identifies the potential risks of underage drinking, the influence of peers, and the importance of personal values. After weighing the pros and cons, the student decides to decline the invitation, prioritizing their health and safety.

In small groups, students will be given different scenarios that require decision making. Each group will discuss their scenario, identify the key issues, and apply the decision-making process to come up with a solution. For example, a scenario could involve deciding how to handle a conflict with a friend. Groups will present their decisions and the reasoning behind them, fostering discussion about the different choices made.

Students will take a moment to reflect on a recent decision they made and how it impacted their lives. They will write a short paragraph describing the decision, the factors they considered, and the outcome. Following this reflection, students will set a small, achievable goal related to improving their decision-making skills, such as seeking advice from a trusted adult before making future choices.

• Gathering information
• Identifying the problem
• Making a choice
• Evaluating alternatives

Answer: Identifying the problem

The first step in decision making is to clearly identify the problem that needs to be addressed.

• Skipping meals to lose weight
• Drinking water instead of soda
• Staying up all night to study
• Ignoring a friend's distress

Answer: Drinking water instead of soda

Choosing water over soda is a healthy decision that promotes better hydration and overall health.

Answer: A situation where peer pressure might influence a decision is when a group of friends encourages someone to try smoking at a party.

Peer pressure can lead individuals to make choices that they might not otherwise consider, such as trying harmful substances.

• Only the positive outcomes
• The opinions of others
• The long-term effects
• How it makes you feel in the moment

Answer: The long-term effects

Considering the long-term effects helps ensure that the decision made is beneficial in the future.

Answer: One goal could be to ask a trusted adult for advice before making important decisions.

Seeking advice can provide additional perspectives and help in making more informed choices.

• Identifying the problem
• Making a choice
• Ignoring the consequences
• Evaluating alternatives

Answer: Ignoring the consequences

Ignoring consequences is not a step in the decision-making process; understanding consequences is crucial.