Weigh Both Sides

Worksheet Description

The worksheet titled “PROs and CONs” is a structured framework that helps students to critically evaluate the potential outcomes of a decision. The sheet begins with a space for the student’s name and a designated area to write down the specific question or decision being analyzed. It is divided into three sections: one for listing the positive outcomes (PROs), one for the negative outcomes (CONs), and a third section at the bottom for noting any neutral consequences that are neither clearly positive nor negative.

In the exercise, students are prompted to assess which column, pros or cons, has more consequences, encouraging them to consider the weight of each side in their decision-making process. Additionally, the worksheet challenges students to determine if any single consequence is significant enough to influence the decision on its own. Finally, it asks students to step back and ponder what decision might be made by someone without an emotional investment in the situation, promoting objectivity and critical distance. This reflective question is important for developing unbiased reasoning skills. The layout, with its clear segments and questioning approach, makes it a valuable tool for educators in teaching students to think analytically and make informed decisions.