Developed By: Angela Monroe
Revised: Spring 2002

Level: 6-8

Decision Time

Standards Learning  Expectations	This activity will help students acquire competencies which relate to the following standards: 2. Improve learning and achieve challenging goals The student will: 2.1 Apply critical thinking skills in academic decision making
General Approach	The general approach will be for the students to log onto a computer and click on a link where there will be a game for them to play without directions. Then a short discussion will give them directions and they will be allowed to play the game again. The students will then complete a handout of their experience. Then the students will be asked to form a circle for a counselor led discussion.
Activity Steps	Then ask the students to log onto their computers and pull up the following web site: http://www.encyclozine.com/Games/Board/Othello/ Giving them little instructions, allow them to play the game. Letting them stay in their seat (assuming everyone can hear) lead them through the following questions. How did you do in your game? Did you already know how to play? How did you feel when you were playing the game? Do you think that you could have made better decisions if you would have had some instructions? a partner? someone to ask for help? Let's try again. Give the students directions for playing: the object of the game is to place your chip where you surround your opponent so that you have the most chips of your color on the board. Allow the students to play again, in pairs if they wish. Once they have played the game again and read the information on decision-making, ask them to gather in a circle for a counselor led discussion. You can start by asking them if they performed better once they had instructions? Did you feel more confident while you were playing the second time? Did having someone to help you improve you game? Let them know that decisions in life are the same. The more information we have the better decisions we can make. You can also let them know that there are professionals available to help them with their decisions. Parents, teachers and counselors are all ready to help them.
Time Required	The time required for this activity is about thirty to forty minutes.
Resources Needed	Computer access to the web address: http://www.encyclozine.com/Games/Board/Othello/ A sheet of paper and pencil (to keep notes if they wish)
Performance  Indicators	During this activity the counselor will lead the students through a discussion following the game. After the discussion the students will be able to describe how gaining information aids in making good decisions, they will also be able to identify sources for gaining information. The students also will be able to recognize how their decisions influence their life and articulate feeling about their decisions.