• Teaching Decision Making

  • Sources:

    Here are some insights from trusted experts on teaching decision-making:

    1. Understanding Irrationality: discusses the need to teach decision-making, noting that historically, it was assumed people were rational decision-makers. However, research by Kahneman, Tversky, and Thaler revealed predictable irrationalities. The Alliance for Decision Education strives to update K-12 education to include current scientific insights about decision-making 1 2.

    2. Effective Learning Models: shares a method for teaching decision-making by having someone observe, practice while receiving feedback, and then teach the skill to reinforce learning. This cycle builds trust and competence in decision-making 3.

    3. Decision Theory and Perceptual Clarity: highlights breaking down complex decisions into phases and mapping variables to understand outcomes. He advocates for teaching these strategies as a required course in high school to help students better navigate complex decisions 4.

    4. Historical Context in Education: Annie Duke explains that the current education system, influenced by colonial practices, lacks practical decision-making classes. Historically included subjects like trigonometry served as screens for higher pursuits and did not focus on practical skills like decision-making 2.

    5. Learning from Experience: advises reflecting on past successful decisions to identify common criteria. This approach helps in applying these criteria to current decision-making challenges, enhancing the clarity and confidence in one's choices 5.

    These approaches highlight the importance of teaching decision-making to improve rational thinking and equip students with essential life skills.

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