The DECIDE Model
The DECIDE Model
Just as every day you have to decide when to wake up and what to wear, developing good health involves making decisions on a daily basis. As young people in an ever more complex world, some of the decisions you will face in the coming years may be difficult and also very important. Having information and knowledge about health is one thing, but being able to make good decisions with that knowledge is the key to maintaining good health for life. This course will ask you to think about how and why you make certain choices and decisions that impact your health and well-being.
A mnemonic is a word that helps you remember something. The D-E-C-I-D-E mnemonic is one tool you may use when considering difficult decisions. Whether you memorize it or not, studying the steps and applying them to some hypothetical decisions might help you focus when you must face more important decisions.
Here is how it works:
Explore the alternatives or options. What are your choices, given these circumstances?
Consider the consequences. What are the pros and cons for each option?
Identify your values. What is most important to you, and how do these options fit your beliefs?
Decide and take action.
Evaluate and revise. Experience may show you a better way to decide next time.
When you are presented with a DECIDE Model activity within your health class, refer back to this section, and use the DECIDE steps in order to evaluate and discuss the most sound decision. The rubric for these activities can be found within the Getting Started section.
Now, let’s practice with your first DECIDE Model activity.
