Repsonsible decision making entails being open minded, identifying and solving problems, analyzing situations and consequences, responsisbilty and reflection. I try to address these concerns as they arise, on the spot (whether it is a postive situation or negative) rather than wait it out or ignore it. I try to dialogue with the students the choices they had in a situation and how their choice went. I also try not to over talk it, and move on so it doesn't escalate. If needed, and appropriate the discussion might be done in private (after a class) if the same concerns arise. When I see students making good choices, especially after not so good choices, I make sure to acknowledge it, and praise them for the good choice. When they are young, they need to know they are seen when making these good choices and hopefully will become second nature as they mature.
