Make a Choice

Choose a dilemma from our dilemmas database and respond to it using three different ethical frameworks, one based on what is best for the rights of all, one that is based on the rights for the most people, and one that is based on what is best to help you be the best version of you. The activity is based on the normative ethical theories of deontology, utilitariniasm, and virtue ethics.

Good Work vs. Work

Write two narratives. One should be about an individual who performs “Good Work,” and the other on an individual who just does “work.”

Entrance Ticket

Answer three questions on Good Work.

Mind Mapping "My Dilemma"

Using your dilemma from the “My Dilemma” activity, discuss the themes from your personal dilemmas as a class, and ask yourselves what factors lead to your decisions? After the discussion, create a “mind map” of the influences that guided your decision in your dilemma.

What Advice Would You Give?

Reflect and write on the story you were assigned in the “Identifying Good Work Dilemmas” activity.

Identifying Good Work Dilemmas

You will be assigned or will choose one of the represented dilemmas and explain how the story involves one (or more) of the 3 Es of good work. Once you are done, discuss with someone else who analyzed a different dilemma. Discuss your respective dilemmas, and then, each in turn, you will act out the dilemmas, one of you taking on the role of the protagonist and the other, that of the mentor.

This I Believe

Pick a “This I Believe” essay from the NPR website. Create a narrative describing the individual’s short term goals, career goals, challenges and obstacles, and the strategies they chose to overcome their obstacles. You can choose different ways to present this narrative (written format, song, PowerPoint presentation, etc.).

Mirror Test

Use this worksheet to help you conduct your own Mirror Test. This process of reflection should be regularly practiced. Using the questions in the worksheet, write a reflection, written or illustrated.

Identifying Models

Watch the 3Ms Video and then have a group discussion of role models. Think about people in your personal life that have inspired you, and then write down the important messages each of these individuals have taught you, or make an artistic representation of these messages.

Chalk Talk Synthesis

In a group, choose a dilemma to focus on. Write a reflection on the dilemma using one of the questions in the worksheet. Think about the most common obstacles to good work, both in the Chalk Talk dilemma and in your own life.

Famous Failures Video Discussion

Watch the video “Famous Failures” and discuss how these figures encountered issues relating to the 3Es using the discussion prompt in the worksheet.

School Mission Reflection

Write a reflection on your school’s mission. using the questions in the activity sheet.

Consider a Value

This activity concentrates on a value of your choice that you’d like to spend more time considering. Find an example of an individual or a type of work which exemplifies your chosen value, and then describe how your value is articulated in your example.

When In Doubt... Make it Excellent (See-Think-Wonder)

Using the see-think-wonder chart, read the dilemma before reflecting on what you see, what you think, and what you wonder before answering questions on how James conducts “good work.”