Consequence and Sequel

Consequence and Sequel serves primarily as a reminder to thinkers that all choices have consequences. The starkness of this reality emphasizes the need for making responsible and appropriate choices. While choices may have multiple consequences, awareness of what these are and the attention paid to analyzing situations, evaluating alternatives, and predicting their consequences can ultimately lead to improved decision making. The Sequel references the resulting effect of the consequences, i.e., the long-term implications. These are the more difficult elements to envision at the onset of making choices; however, they are critical to decision-making about social issues based on scientific, mathematical, and political matters.

The work of Dr. Edward deBono, a leading authority on conceptual thinking, includes multiple means of effective decision. The four types of consequences that should be considered before a responsible, quality decision can be made are Immediate, Short-term, Medium-term, and Long -term.

Implementation

1. Using small groups providez students with information, ideas, and confidence in their responses.

2. Select an open topic without a specific answer helps to engage students in the task.

Classroom Management

1. Consider an issue relevant to students’ lives that is likely to have long-term consequences.

2. Students brainstorm choices for action and identify what they conclude is the optimal choice.

3. Next, students answer the following questions:

· What are the risks of making this choice?

· What are the positive consequences of this choice?

· Is there another choice that has fewer risks and equal or more positive consequences?

4. Identify each consequence as immediate, short-term, medium-term, or long-term.

5. Finally, return to the selected choice and identify it as either a good or a bad choice.

6. Identify if the consequences of the choice will be manageable for all or for a select group. If not for all, what are the consequences for those others?

7. If the choice is good, predict if its sequel will be equally beneficial.

8. Students prepare a statement for the class to show why their final choice is the best in terms of consequence and sequel.