Decision-making and Problem-solving: Class Activity

Previously known as Climate Schools, OurFutures was developed by researchers based at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney, Australia. See the OurFutures website for more information.

Class activity with time for individual work.

• Print or electronically share the “Decision-making and problem-solving” worksheet (attached).
• Be familiar with decision-making/problem-solving process outlined below.

The aim of this activity is to teach students the steps involved in effective decision-making/problem-solving. This skill is a useful skill for students to learn, as it will assist students to consider all the options that are available to them and the related consequences of each option when they are making a decision or solving a potential problem. Decision making/problem solving can be one skill used to help students to make an informed decision if they are considering either initiating or ceasing drug use.

Part 1: Give the class a quick overview of the steps involved in the decision-making/problem-solving process.

The steps involved in decision-making/problem-solving:

1. Define the problem or the decision to be made.
2. Consider all the possible options/alternatives to solve the problem or decision.
3. Write down all the positives and negatives for each option/alternative.
4. Weight all the positives and negatives for each option.
5. Select the best alternative.
6. Implement the solution.
7. Monitor progress.
8. Review and learn from your experience.

Part 2: The easiest way to introduce this process to students is by example. Ask students to think of something they want to change or make a decision about. Hand out the individual worksheets for students to complete.

• Students learn a structured process to assist with decision-making and problem solving.

Secondary teachers reviewed this and other OurFutures activities, with 92.3% rating these activities as good or very good. This particular activity was among the most popular activities selected for implementation by teachers.

The benefits of implementing individual activities from OurFutures has not been examined. The benefits of implementing the entire 6 session OurFutures program has been supported by multiple research studies, see OurFutures: Alcohol & Cannabis Module.