Lesson:
Engage (5 minutes):
Discussion:
- Have you ever been in a situation where you had to make a decision as a group?
- Discuss why group decisions can be complex and sometimes lead to disagreements.
Apply (55 minutes):
Direct Instruction (10 Minutes)
Understanding How Groups Make Decisions Together
Activity 1 (15 Minutes)
- Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a handout containing a scenario that involves a contentious topic. The scenarios should be designed to evoke different viewpoints and opinions.
Instruct each group to:
- Read the scenario.
- Discuss the different perspectives presented.
- Identify the factors that contribute to polarized thinking within the group.
Discussion (5 Minutes)
Discuss the concept of group identity and how it can influence decision-making. Ask students to think about times when they’ve felt pressure to conform to a group’s beliefs or opinions. Use the following prompts to guide the discussion:
- How does belonging to a certain group affect your thoughts and behaviors?
- Can group identity lead to polarized thinking? Why or why not?
Activity 2 (25 Minutes)
Divide the class into new groups. Provide each group with a flipchart or large paper and markers. Ask them to collectively create a visual representation of a topic they’ve chosen that is often prone to polarized thinking (e.g., climate change, gun control, immigration).
Each group’s representation should include:
- Central topic or issue
- Two opposing viewpoints
- Space to represent nuance and middle-ground perspectives
After completing their visual representations, have each group present their work to the class, explaining how they incorporated nuance and avoided extreme judgment.
Reflect (5-10 minutes):
Journal Entry
- How would you define collaborative decision-making, and why is it important in both personal and professional contexts?
- Reflect on a time when you were part of a group decision-making process. What strategies did your group use to ensure that everyone’s opinions were considered?
