Making Decisions in Groups
Investigate different methods groups use to make decisions, including consensus, voting, and traditional First Nations decision-making processes.
Key Questions
- Compare various decision-making strategies used by groups.
- Analyze how different leadership styles influence group decisions.
- Explain the traditional decision-making processes within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
ACARA Content Descriptions
About This Topic
How do we decide what's fair when everyone wants something different? This topic explores the different ways groups make decisions, from voting and majority rule to the 'consensus' models often used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Students learn about leadership, negotiation, and the importance of listening to different points of view before reaching a conclusion.
This topic is fundamental to the Civics and Citizenship strand of the ACARA curriculum. It teaches students the 'soft skills' of democracy. This topic comes alive when students can practice different decision-making styles in real-time through collaborative problem-solving and structured group discussions.
Active Learning Ideas
Simulation Game: Voting vs. Consensus
The class must choose a theme for a 'fun Friday.' First, they use a quick majority-rule vote. Then, they try to reach a 'consensus' where everyone must agree. Afterward, they discuss which method felt fairer and which one took longer.
Inquiry Circle: First Nations Elders
Groups research the role of Elders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. They look at how Elders use their wisdom and experience to guide the community and resolve conflicts without needing a formal 'vote.'
Think-Pair-Share: The Fair Leader
Students brainstorm the qualities of a good leader (e.g., listening, being brave, being fair). In pairs, they discuss: 'Is a leader someone who tells everyone what to do, or someone who helps the group decide together?'
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionThe person who shouts the loudest should get to decide.
What to Teach Instead
Fair decision-making involves giving everyone a voice, regardless of how loud they are. Using a 'Talking Stick' or a 'Round Robin' discussion format helps students practice the discipline of listening and waiting for their turn.
Common MisconceptionVoting is the only 'fair' way to decide.
What to Teach Instead
Voting is good, but it means the 'losing' side might be unhappy. Consensus (where everyone agrees) can be fairer but takes more work. Comparing these two methods through a 'Simulation' helps students see that different situations require different types of decision-making.
Suggested Methodologies
Ready to teach this topic?
Generate a complete, classroom-ready active learning mission in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Consensus'?
What is 'Majority Rule'?
How can active learning help students understand Decision Making in Groups?
How do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups traditionally make decisions?
More in Rules and Responsibilities
The Purpose of Rules and Laws
Explore the fundamental reasons for having rules and laws in families, schools, and communities, focusing on safety, fairness, and order.
3 methodologies
Local Government: Who Does What?
Identify the key services provided by local government (e.g., parks, waste, libraries) and understand how they benefit the community.
3 methodologies
Active Citizenship: Contributing to Community
Explore ways individuals, including children, can contribute to their community, influence change, and participate in civic life.
3 methodologies
Cultural Diversity in Australia
Explore how migration has shaped Australia into a multicultural nation, celebrating the diverse backgrounds of its people.
3 methodologies
Celebrating Identity: Festivals and Traditions
Investigate how people express their cultural identity through food, festivals, language, and traditions from various backgrounds.
3 methodologies