A Lesson Plan from Life Planning Education: A Youth Development Program (Chapter Two)

NOTE:  Life Planning Education (LPE) is currently being revised. The printed/for-sale version includes an older version of this lesson plan. Please make sure you have looked at the PDF of Life Planning Education before purchasing - that is the version that is available to buy.

Purpose: To practice aligning decisions with personal values.

Materials: Leader’s Resource, “Values and Decisions” newsprint and markers or board and chalk

Time: 40-50 minutes

Planning Notes:

• Think of a current event that involves a dilemma. Prepare to share the example if the group is unable to come up with its own dilemma in Step 1.
• Write the questions below on newsprint or the board for use in Step 3.
• Which values conflict in this situation?
• How will the person feel if she or he chooses Option A or Option B?
• Which option would you choose? Why?
• Review the Leader’s Resource to see if the dilemma situations are appropriate for your group. If not, create dilemmas that are appropriate for your group.

1. Explain that a dilemma is a situation in which a person has to make a difficult decision. Tell participants to think of a dilemma they face or one they have heard about. If no one can come up with a dilemma, give your example.
2. Explain that all people, adolescents and adults, face dilemmas and have to make tough decisions. Paying attention to values can help someone make the decision that’s best for them.
3. Review instructions for the activity:
• I will divide you into two groups and give each group a dilemma.
• Have one person read the dilemma aloud. Then discuss the options. Answer the three questions I have posted. (Post the questions.)
• Be prepared to defend your decision to the entire group.
4. Once the instructions are clear, divide participants into two groups and give each group one of the dilemma situations. While the groups work, circulate between them, offering assistance as needed.
5. Allow about 10 minutes for discussion. Then ask the groups to share their decision and their reason for the decision. Ask them about the values they considered while making their decision.
6. Conclude the activity using the discussion points below.

1. What is one dilemma you would not want to face in your life? Why?
2. Do people face dilemmas at work? Can you give an example? (Examples include: Police officers may have to choose between shooting a criminal and allowing them to harm the police officer or someone else; doctors may have to choose between resuscitating a dying patient and allowing them to die; office workers may have to choose between pretending not to notice when another worker steals company supplies or reporting the theft and the thief.)
3. Are there values that have a particularly strong influence on adolescents’ decisions? If so, what are they?