Sequencing Activity and Worksheet: W.I.S.E. Decision Making Steps (An Alternative to the DECIDE Model)
Use this instant activity to upgrade your decision-making lesson plans with this alternative to the DECIDE Model!
Introduce students to the WISE decision-making skill cues with this sequencing activity. I love using instant activities like this in health class at the start of a new unit, in this case for the decision-making unit. I gave each group of students a set of cards and asked them to match the scenario to the various steps of the WISE decision-making model.
The What’s BEST and WISE Decision-Making Models
I’ve finally made the looooong overdue upgrade from the DECIDE Model! No hate to the DECIDE Model, but in all honesty, there’s just too much going on for it to be something that students (and we teachers) can use in our daily lives. So I actually designed two new models:
What’s BEST? - This is for quick decision-making and decision evaluation. All you do is assess how the decision impacts your BEST Model. It’s so easy and all about building self-awareness.
WISE - The WISE decision-making model has a few more steps:
W - What’s going on? - Identify what specific decision you need to make.
I - Identify Your Options - Explore your options and predict the potential outcomes of each option. Ask yourself, “What’s BEST?” to consider how each decision may impact your overall well-being.
S - Select the BEST Choice - Once you’ve determined which option is BEST, make your decision.
E - Evaluate the Outcome - Look back on your decision and its impact. Did it enrich or harm your well-being? What can you learn for next time? And if the decision has already been made, use the same steps to evaluate your choice.
After students completed this sequencing activity, I shared these decision-making checklists/cheatsheets (see below) and passed out two decision-making scenarios to discuss.
Ultimately, the goal with teaching decision-making is for it to become second nature for students to think critically about a decision rather than just being impulsive. Introducing and reinforcing the What’s BEST and WISE skill cues is a great way to help students build the confidence, knowledge, and skills to be great decision makers!