Real-World Decision Making

Overview

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This activity is designed to help advanced learners develop critical thinking skills through real-world application and discussion. Students engage with authentic materials and online resources to explore how critical thinking influences decision-making in everyday life. The activity promotes analysis, reflection, and communication through structured research and guided discussion.

 

Learning Objectives

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• Students will analyze how critical thinking is applied in real-world contexts

• Students will evaluate information from multiple sources

• Students will express and support opinions in discussion

• Students will develop fluency through extended speaking tasks

 

Learner Profile

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• Level: C1 (Advanced)

• Age Group: Adult or young adult learners

• Class Size: Small groups (3–5 students per group)

• Prior Knowledge: Strong language proficiency and ability to engage in discussion

 

Instructional Approach

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This activity uses a task-based learning approach, encouraging students to explore, analyze, and apply knowledge independently before engaging in collaborative discussion. Authentic materials and guided questions support deeper thinking and real-world relevance.

 

 

Activity Structure

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     1. Research Task (20 minutes)

Students use selected online resources to explore how critical thinking impacts decision-making in areas such as business, media, and daily life. They complete a guided worksheet to organize their findings.

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     2. Group Discussion (30 minutes)

Students discuss their findings in small groups using structured prompts. Each student contributes ideas, asks follow-up questions, and reflects on real-life applications.

 

Sample Prompts

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• Why is critical thinking important in the workplace?

• How does critical thinking influence personal decision-making?

• What are common barriers to thinking critically?

• How does media influence the way people think and make decisions?

• What is one example of a decision you made that required critical thinking?

 

 Materials

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• Research worksheet

• Curated list of online resources

• Discussion prompt cards

 

Assessment Strategy

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Student learning is assessed through participation in discussion, completion of the research task, and the ability to apply critical thinking to real-world situations. Emphasis is placed on clarity of expression, depth of thought, and engagement with peers.

 

 

Rationale

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This activity is designed to move beyond language practice and encourage higher-order thinking. By connecting classroom learning to real-world decision-making, students develop both language proficiency and critical thinking skills. The combination of research and discussion allows learners to engage deeply with the material while building confidence in expressing their ideas.

 

Skills Demonstrated

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• Activity and task design

• Critical thinking instruction

• Use of authentic materials

• Discussion facilitation

• Research-based learning