SEL Spotlight
February 2021
Don't Forget Our Why!
February Focus: Responsible Decision-Making
Responsible Decision-Making
Responsible decision-making in SEL is not merely about avoiding negative outcomes and consequences. The SEL model teaches students self-awareness and what/who to consider when they approach choices. According to CASEL, responsible decision-making means having "the ability to make caring and constructive choices about how to behave, based on consideration of ethical standards (i.e., “benefits and consequences for personal, social, and collective well-being”) as well as relevant social norms and safety concerns" (CASEL 2021)
As educators, we need to teach our students to critically think through the decisions they make and avoid impulsivity. We need to encourage them to consider positive and negative consequences. Teaching this relevant cause and effect concept is important. By helping build these habits, we are leading them toward greater success.
The goal is to teach our students to learn the importance of responsible decision-making and reach a point where they do so independently. This requires us to teach, model, and discuss the decisions our students make. Students need opportunities to learn and internalize the importance of their decisions.
Responsible Decision-Making Skills We Can Model and Teach:
- Direct and indirect problem-solving
- Demonstrating curiosity and open-mindedness
- Identify and Articulate differences and connections
- Identifying the emotions behind the actions
- Learning how to make a judgements based on reason, facts, data, etc.
- Making ethical decisions based upon mutual respect and appropriate culturally-relevant social norms
- Brainstorm multiple solutions to a problem
- Recognizing one’s responsibility to behave ethically
- Identifying solutions for personal and social problems
- Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one’s actions
- Exploring the idea of possible consequences
- Recognizing how critical thinking skills are used both inside and outside of school
- Reflecting on one’s role to promote personal, family, and community well-being
- Evaluating personal, interpersonal, community, and institutional impacts
- Reflecting on past experiences and their outcomes
- Evaluating outcomes - Did they meet the intended goal?
Teach Students To Ask The Right Questions:
- What happened?
- Why did I do what I did?
- How did my decision make others feel?
- What do I do now - Should there be a consequence? Do I need to repair damage?
- What can I do differently next time?
Decision-Making Resource Videos
Check out these videos about making positive, responsible choices. These short clips could be included in your lessons as warm ups, closures, reflection or discussion activities, or even as writing prompts or exit tickets.
All-Level
Secondary
Elementary
Teacher Talk: What About Our Decisions?
Did you know the average adult makes 35,000 choices a day? Think on this...
What About Our Decisions?
Our choices impact everyone around us - our students, our colleagues, our friends and families, and more. Our decisions even impact those we interact with in the grocery store our when we are out to eat. Each time we make a decision, there is a ripple effect. Are the ripples you're sending out positive or negative?
Think about the 35,000 choices you make each day. Think about the ones you made yesterday. Think about the ones you have made so fat today?
- Attitude is a choice.
- Kindness is a choice.
- Forgiveness is a choice.
- Friendliness is a choice.
- Timeliness is a choice.
- Work ethic is a choice.
- Helpfulness is a choice.
- Responsibility is a choice.
- Truthfulness is a choice.
- Respect is a choice.
- Perseverance is a choice.
The list is endless. Each decision we make is important. How we decide to handle our day and those around us matters. Each time you choose a positive decision or action in connection to a challenging individual, be it a student, coworker, family member, or stranger, the impact could be immeasurable.
Continuing Education Department
Email: russlerr@greenvilleisd.com
Website: https://www.greenvilleisd.com/domain/946
Location: 4004 Moulton Street, Greenville, TX, USA