As educators, we strive to equip our high school students with the skills they need to navigate the complex world of choices and decisions they face daily. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, we can guide them to become their own decision makers, taking responsibility for their choices and learning from the outcomes. In this blog post, we will explore an easy-to-implement activity, engaging discussion questions, and related skills that will help students develop this essential life skill.

No-Prep Activity: The Decision-Making Challenge

This activity requires no preparation or materials, making it an excellent choice for busy educators. To begin, ask students to form pairs or small groups. Then, present them with a hypothetical scenario that involves making a choice or decision. Scenarios can range from simple (e.g., deciding what to eat for lunch) to more complex (e.g., choosing between two extracurricular activities).

Students will work together to discuss the pros and cons of each option and come to a decision. Encourage them to consider the potential outcomes and consequences of their choices, as well as how their decisions align with their personal values and goals. Afterward, have a class discussion where each group shares their decision-making process and the factors they considered.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you usually approach decision-making? Do you stop and think or act impulsively?
2. Can you think of a time when you made a decision based on peer pressure? How did it affect the outcome?
3. What are some strategies you can use to become a better predictor of the outcomes of your choices?
4. How can you learn from your past decisions, both positive and negative, to make better choices in the future?
5. Why is it important to take responsibility for the outcomes of your decisions?

Related Skills

Being your own decision maker is an essential skill for high school students, but it is not the only skill they need to develop. Other related skills that contribute to their overall growth and success include:

• Self-awareness: Understanding one’s own feelings, values, and goals is crucial for making informed decisions.
• Critical thinking: Evaluating options and considering the consequences of each choice helps students make well-informed decisions.
• Problem-solving: Developing the ability to find solutions to challenges and make decisions in difficult situations.
• Communication: Effectively expressing one’s thoughts and feelings can help students navigate social situations and make informed decisions.
• Resilience: Learning to bounce back from setbacks and negative outcomes can help students grow and make better choices in the future.

Next Steps

Now that you have an understanding of how to help high school students become their own decision makers and the related skills they need to develop, we encourage you to explore more resources and activities to support their growth. To get started, sign up for free sample materials from Everyday Speech, which offers a wide range of engaging and effective tools for teaching Social-Emotional Learning skills.