Module Title: Smart Choices: A Guide to Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
Objective: To help youth learn how to make good decisions and solve problems confidently
through simple steps and activities.
Slide 1: Introduction to Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
What Are Decision-Making and Problem-Solving?
Decision-Making:
Definition:
- The process of choosing what to do after thinking about your options.
- Helps you decide the best path to take in a situation.
Example:
- You have two hours of free time. Should you watch a movie, study, or hang out with friends?
Slide 2: Problem-Solving:
Definition:
- The process of identifying, understanding, and finding a solution to a challenge or obstacle.
- Helps you deal with issues in the best possible way.
Example:
- Your bike has a flat tire, and you need to get to school. How can you fix it or find another way
to school?
Slide 3: What’s the Difference Between Decision-Making and Problem-Solving?
Decision Making Problem Solving
Focuses on choosing between options. Focuses on identifying and fixing a problem.
Often involves picking the best choice from Often involves analyzing the situation and
several possibilities. finding a solution.
Example: Choosing which college course to Example: Figuring out how to pay for college
take. tuition.
Not always about fixing a problem. Always about solving an issue or overcoming
a challenge.
Slide 4 & 5: Why Are They Important?
1. Shapes Your Future
- Both help guide your actions and decisions toward a better future.
Example:
- Deciding to join a club builds skills, while solving the challenge of time management
ensures balance.
2. Solves Challenges
- Problem-solving deals with obstacles, while decision-making helps avoid potential problems.
Example:
- Solving a group project dispute and deciding on clear roles helps the team succeed.
3. Improves Decision Confidence**
- Practicing both skills makes you better at handling life’s challenges.
Example:
- Solving daily issues (like transportation problems) builds confidence for bigger decisions,
such as career choices.
4. Encourages Responsibility**
- When you solve problems or make decisions, you take ownership of the outcomes.
Example:
- Choosing to save money instead of spending teaches financial discipline.
Slide 6&7: Steps to Make Good Decisions
1. Stop and Think.
● Take your time. Don’t rush.
2. Know Your Goal.
● What do you want to achieve?
3. Explore Options.
● What are the choices? List them all.
4. Weigh the Pros and Cons.
● What are the good and bad things about each choice?
5. Make the Decision.
● Choose the option that helps you reach your goal.
6. Take Action.
● Do something to make it happen.
7. Learn from the Outcome.
● Was it the right choice? What can you learn from it?
Slide 8: Activity
Materials: Pen and paper
Instructions:
- Think about a simple decision, like what to eat for lunch or what to do on the weekend.
- Write down your goal, your options, and the pros and cons of each choice.
- Share your final decision to others and why you chose it.
Slide 9 &10: Steps to Solve Problems
1. Identify the Problem.
● What is the problem? Be specific.
2. Understand the Cause.
● Why is it happening?
3. Think of Solutions.
● Brainstorm all possible ways to solve it.
4. Choose the Best Solution.
● Pick the solution that works best.
5. Take Action.
● Try the solution.
6. Evaluate.
● Did it work? If not, try another solution.
Slide 11: Activity
Materials: Pen and paper
Instructions:
- Write down at least 3 problems you’ve faced recently (e.g., forgetting homework, arguing
with a friend).
- Follow the steps above to find a solution.
- Share to others what you learned from the activity.
Slide 12: Practice Through Scenarios
Instructions:
- Form a group of 5, and each group will have 5 minutes to brainstorm what they will do in
each scenario based on what they have learned and their creativity.
Slide 13: Scenario 1: Time Management
- You have two important things to do on Saturday—study for a test and attend a friend’s
birthday party.
- What should you do?
- How will you decide?
Slide 14: Scenario 2: Friendship Conflict
- Your friend borrowed something and broke it but hasn’t told you. You found out from
someone else.
- What’s the problem?
- How will you handle it?
Slide 15: Reflection (Group Activity)
Instructions:
- In your group, everyone is encouraged to share their experiences related to the given
questions. Later, one representative will share the group's discussion with everyone.
Questions:
1. How do you usually make decisions?
2. What was the most difficult decision you’ve made?
3. How does solving problems make you feel?
Slide 16: Closing Activity: The Decision Tree (Group Activity)
Materials: Paper, pen and coloring materials
Instructions:
- Draw a tree with branches.
- Write a problem or decision on the trunk.
- On the branches, write the possible solutions.
- Circle the best solution and explain why you chose it.
Slide 17: Final Note:
Good decisions and solutions take time and practice. Be patient with yourself and always learn
from every experience!
