"To think about the choices and pick the best one."
Expanded Definition
A decision is a choice made after a deliberate evaluation of multiple life-changing choices. It involves the process of weighing advantages and disadvantages and considering personal values. Be it small or significant, every task requires decision-making, and every choice has a consequence.
Etymology
The word "decision" is derived from Anglo-French decision, which comes from the Latin word decisionem, meaning "to decide." Its action word decidere means "to cut," suggesting that "decision" carries the sense of "cutting off" or "cutting away" other possibilities. This underlines the process of selection involved in decision-making.
Classroom Strategies
Positive Action recognizes the significance of decision-making skills in all aspects of life. Healthy decisions are crucial in building healthy habits, ensuring personal growth, and developing essential life skills. To equip students with the skill of making positive choices, Positive Action prepares the following classroom strategies.
Teach problem-solving skills: Problem-solving is at the core of decision-making. Encourage students to identify the problem, brainstorm possible solutions, weigh the pros and cons of each, and then make a decision.
Promote critical thinking: Encourage students to think critically about different scenarios. This can help them evaluate the potential consequences of their choices and make better decisions.
Practice reflection: After decisions are made, have students reflect on the outcomes. Was it a good decision? What could they have done differently? Reflection helps students learn from their experiences and improve their future decision-making.
Teach mindfulness: Mindfulness helps students remain present and avoid impulsive decisions. By being aware of their thoughts and feelings in the moment, students can make more thoughtful and informed choices.
Role-play scenarios: Use role-play to allow students to practice decision-making in a safe environment. This helps them understand the potential consequences of their decisions without real-world risks.
Encourage healthy risk-taking: Decision-making often involves taking risks. Encourage students to take healthy risks, such as trying a new activity or standing up for what they believe in. This will help them build their decision-making confidence.
Teach the importance of values: Personal values can guide decision-making. Help students identify their values and understand how they can use them as a compass when making decisions.
Instill responsibility: Teach students that they are responsible for their decisions and the consequences of those decisions. This can encourage them to think more carefully before making choices.
Model decision-making: As a teacher, you can model good decision-making in your actions. Discuss your thought process when making decisions in the classroom, and be open about learning from mistakes.
Introduce them to useful tools: Introduce students to tools that can aid their decision-making process, such as pros-and-cons lists. These tools can help make decision-making more tangible and structured.
The Positive Action curriculum encompasses six units consisting of lessons designed to foster healthy decision-making. Within these units, students learn problem-solving, critical thinking, resourcefulness skills, and other ways to enhance their mental abilities. It also instills self-honesty and self-awareness in students, recognizing their importance in the decision-making process.
Resources
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