Brief overview

This situation consists of a group reflection based on different situations of economic interest, with the goal of fostering discussion and encouraging thought. At the end of this activity, students will be asked to write a short reflection.

Subject area(s)

Ethics and Religious Culture
• Competency 1: thinking about ethical questions
Analyzing the situation, critical thinking, comparing points of view, proposing actions, critically evaluating the possibilities
• Competency 3: practising dialogue
Organization of ideas, relevant and coherent arguments, respectful interaction

French, language of instruction
• Competency 2: writing varied texts
Writing a structured and coherent text, respecting the purpose of the writing, appropriate revision
• Competency 3: communicate orally using various methods
Practise individual speaking, oral presentation with peers, use of an appropriate level of language

Teaching goal

– The importance of asking questions when it comes to money
– The need to think before making decisions
– The repercussions of decisions that have been made

Expected outcomes

Ensure students are aware that they should understand that several situations in life involve dilemmas where a clear decision must be made. The decision should be made based on different possible solutions, weighing the pros and cons and taking account of individual goals and values.

Role-playing

Role-playing can be done by having the teacher ask a series of questions. The list of questions can be found in the appendix.

Achievement

Using one of the proposed starting points in the Appendix, the teacher leads a group conversation based on the questions provided in the appendix to help encourage discussion. Based on how the conversation progresses, the other suggested starting point can be used to rekindle the discussion.

Reinvestment

Students should compose a text of approximately one page, responding to one of the following questions:
• Based on today’s discussion, how would you support a monetary decision (family, work, money, friendship)?
• Based on today’s discussion, what could be a source of conflict when dealing with money?

Provisions

After the role-playing questions, have the students sit in a circle and begin with one of the starting points. When the conversation is finished, have them return to their seats and ask them questions about investing.

Required material

– Appendix: Facilitation tools
– Paper and pencils

Evaluation tracks

Ethics and Religious Culture: evaluation of the ability to understand a situation and assess the possible actions (C. 1 and C. 3)
French, language of instruction: evaluation of a written text (C. 2)

*The teacher is free to adapt each section based on the group and as the situation unfolds.

Appendix: Facilitation tools

Role-playing questions:

• Have you ever had to face an irritating situation?
• Have you ever regretted a decision that you made?
• Did this irritating situation or decision happen because of money?
• Have you ever seen or experienced a particular situation where you had a discussion about money?

Starting points:

• A 16-year old has a part-time job where he makes about $100 a week. He has few expenses and successfully puts some money away to buy a car at the end of the year. He has a credit card endorsed* by his parents to help him take responsibility in money matters. Last week, his friend asked to borrow $750,
saying that he needed it quickly and that he would repay him. He could have put this money on his credit card but he knew the consequences**. He wondered what he should do.
* Make sure the students understand the term endorse.
** Remind the students of the possible consequences (debt, interest, credit report, etc.)
• A pharmacist catches a man in his 70s hiding medicine in his jacket. He stops him. The man tells him that his wife is gravely ill and needs the medicine, but they no longer have the money to pay for it. The pharmacist wonders if he should turn a blind eye or punish the man.

Questions to help encourage discussion:

• What could be the consequences of such a decision?
• Is money more important than…?
• Are you respecting your values when you make such a decision?
• Can you really believe others when it comes to money?
• Can money influence a person’s behaviour?
• Is it possible to go back on a money-related decision?