Rationale Pre-Lesson Activities Specific Lesson Ideas and Examples References and Resources Rationale Students are, or will be, faced with a host of difficult social decisions. Educators realize the advantages to teaching students how to make informed decisions. When learners participate in activities which refine their decision-making skills, their learning is enhanced within the classroom as well as through adolescence. Teaching decision-making skills can lead to the informed thinking that assists students in making wise and positive health, social, and relationship choices. Pre-Lesson Activities Teachers should introduce the basic concept of social decision making and problem solving skills before implementing the lesson ideas and suggestions in this tutorial.
Teachers can also model their own problem solving thought process in a variety of situations.
Students will see that adults also face a wide range of social and problem solving situations, and they will witness the decision making process in action. These activities are applicable to students of all ages. The establishment of a classroom constitution will involve students in the democratic process, develop rules of socially acceptable behavior, and serve as a foundation for future expectations. Collaborative Instruction Students can be placed into small groups and assigned different tasks that they will be responsible for teaching to the class. This activity will help teach students cooperation and group dynamics.