Define the Problem
In the DECIDE model, what does the very first letter D stand for?
Define the problem.
In the DECIDE model, what does the letter E stand for?
Establish options (or brainstorm choices).
What does the letter C stand for in the DECIDE model?
Consider outcomes (or weigh pros and cons / consequences).
You find a lost smartphone on the floor at school. What is the core problem to Define (D)?
"How do I safely return this phone to its owner?"
Put the first three letters of the DECIDE model in order from memory.
D (Define), E (Establish options), C (Consider outcomes).
What is the main goal of the first step (Define the Problem) in the DECIDE model?
To clearly state the conflict or situation that needs to be solved.
How many different options should you try to come up with during Step E?
At least 3 to 4 options.
What is the difference between a positive outcome and a negative outcome?
A positive outcome is a benefit or good result; a negative outcome is a risk, penalty, or bad consequence.
A friend asks you for answers during a math quiz. Name 1 healthy option (E) you could choose right then.
Quietly whisper "I can't right now, but I can help you study later" (or cover your paper and focus).
How does Step D (defining the problem) help you with Step E (establishing options)?
A clear goal makes it much easier to brainstorm specific, relevant choices.
You realize you forgot your completed homework on the kitchen table. What is the core problem you need to define?
"How can I get my homework turned in or get credit for my work today?"
Your friends are trying to convince you to skip lunch detention. List 3 different options you could choose from.
Go to detention and meet friends after.
Ask the teacher if you can reschedule detention.
Skip detention to hang out with friends.
You decide to stay up until 1:00 AM playing video games on a school night. Name 1 positive outcome and 2 negative outcomes.
Positive: Having fun / beating a level.
Negative: Feeling exhausted at school / poor test focus / getting grounded.
You were invited to two different birthday parties at the exact same time on Saturday. Name 3 options (E) to handle this.
Go to Party A for the first hour and Party B for the second hour.
Pick one party to attend and hang out with the other friend on Sunday.
Ask if you can celebrate with one friend on a different day.
What usually happens when someone jumps straight from Step E (options) to picking a choice without doing Step C (outcomes)?
They make an impulsive decision without realizing the risks or consequences.
You missed the bus and school starts in 20 minutes. Define the core problem without naming a specific solution.
"How can I get to school safely and as quickly as possible?"
You forgot your lunch money at home. Brainstorm 3 realistic options to handle this situation.
Ask cafeteria staff for an emergency/charged lunch.
Text a parent/guardian to drop it off.
Borrow money from a friend.
What is the difference between a short-term and a long-term outcome when choosing to study for a test?
Short-term: Giving up 30 minutes of free time today.
Long-term: Getting a good grade and staying on the honor roll.
Someone posts a rumor about you online. What is one major negative outcome (C) of posting a mean response back?
It escalates the drama, makes you look bad, and can get you in trouble at school or home.
When looking at outcomes in Step C, why should you think about how your choice affects other people, not just yourself?
Your actions can hurt friends or family, which affects trust and your relationships.
Why is it dangerous to skip Step D and try to solve a problem before defining it?
You risk solving the wrong problem, which leaves the main conflict unfixed or makes it worse.
True or False: While brainstorming options in Step E, you should immediately cross off bad ideas. Explain why.
False. You write down all possibilities during brainstorming first, then evaluate them in Step C.
Compare the outcomes of Option A (lie to a teacher about missing homework) vs. Option B (admit you forgot it and ask for partial credit).
Option A: Might avoid trouble today, but risks getting caught, losing trust, and getting a zero.
Option B: Might lose points today, but preserves trust and guarantees partial credit.
You missed 2 days of school due to illness and feel overwhelmed. Give the D, E, and C for this situation.
D: "How can I catch up on missed work without getting burned out?"
E: 1. Email teachers for a priority list; 2. Stay after school for help; 3. Pull an all-nighter.
C: Options 1 and 2 keep you organized and supported; Option 3 leads to stress and exhaustion.
Scenario: Your friend asks you to lie to their parents about where they are after school. Walk through D, E, and C for this moment.
D: "How can I support my friend while staying honest and out of trouble?"
E: 1. Refuse to lie and offer to help them talk to their parents; 2. Tell them you can't get involved.
C: Lying risks breaking adult trust and getting grounded; telling the truth keeps you out of drama.