Strategy 15 Lauren Mariano

DECISION TREES AND GRIDS

Grade Level and NCSS Curriculum Strands

Grade Level 3-5 6-8 NCSS Curriculum Strands II Time, Continuity, and Change VII Production, Distribution, and Consumption

What do Decision Trees and Grids do?

Provide a concrete visual of the central

problem and the decisions that need to be made when limited resources meet unlimited wants

Introduction
Specific type of graphic organizer Often used in economics curriculum Clarity is achieved by examining and

discussing all of the criteria considered in making an informed decision as well as all the alternatives available Allow students to examine broader policy decisions from both historical and current perspectives

Procedural Recommendations
Once decision has been isolated for the study
Direct students to consider all of the issues involved in

making the decision Have students determine reasonable alternatives Brainstorm all ways the problem can be solved or the decision might be made After students examine all criteria and alternatives, consider all evidence and determine which decisions carry positive and negative consequences, have them look holistically at each alternative If alternatives tie in a method, students should complete additional research and reflection and then repeat process to just the numbers that tied

Types of Decision Grids

Numeral Decision Grid Good vs. Bad Decision Grid Alternative Approach Grid

Numeral Decision Grid for:

What to Do with a Gift of Money
Criteria Parents Approval Longevity Buy a Skateboard 0 -1 Put into Bank for College 1 1

Immediate Fun
Safety

1
-1

-1
0

Total

-1

Each pro gets a 1, and each con gets a -1. If there is neutral that gets a 0. Whichever option has the highest number is the best decision. Best decision is putting money into bank for college, according to criteria.

Bad vs. Good Decision Grid for:

What to Do with a Gift of Money
Criteria Parents Approval Longevity Immediate Fun Buy a Skateboard Bad Bad Good Put into Bank for College Good Good Bad

Safety
Total

Bad
Bad

Good
Good

Each good decision gets a good, and each bad decision gets a bad. Whichever option has the highest number of goods is the best decision. Best decision is putting money into bank for college, according to criteria.

Alternative Approach Decision Grid for: What to do with a Gift of Money

Criteria Parents Approval Longevity Immediate Fun Safety Total Buy a Skateboard 1 1 2 1 5 Put into Bank for College 2 2 1 2 7

The best alternative gets the highest number, (if two alternatives the best gets a 2, if 3 alternatives the best gets 3). Whichever option has the highest number is the best decision. Best decision is putting money into bank for college, according to criteria.

Decision Trees
Problem/ issue at the trunk/root of the tree Alternative solutions to the problem as

primary branches Consequences of choosing each alternative as secondary branches Tertiary branches can serve as positive/negative ramifications of each consequence Decision is noted at the top of the tree

Decision Tree Example

Applications and Ideas

Encourage students to use decision trees and

grids in their everyday decisions Help students look outside of the box with their ideas of alternatives and consequences Remind students that given the same opportunity, others will make different decisions based on evidence, alternatives and criteria