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.
Identifying Strategies
Choose one or two concepts that most resonate with you. Consider how you can turn these concepts into a strategy. In a group, complete the “From Concept to Strategy” worksheet.
Group Brainstorm: Good Work Resources
Discuss resources and ideas to draw upon when faced with a difficult decision. (It is best to complete this activity after engaging with our materials for an extended period, as the prompts ask participants to revisit Good Work concepts such as the 3E’s, the 4M’s, value sort,…).
Reflection about Good Work
In a group, reflect upon what you’ve learned about Good Work after completing several of the activities designed by The Good Project.
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.
Dilemma Debate: Excellence at Risk
Read the dilemma “Excellence at Risk.” You will be assigned one of the characters from the narrative and will then be asked to discuss the dilemma as a group from the perspective of your character. At the end, come together and discuss the questions provided at the end of the worksheet.
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 Anti-Mentors
In pairs, think about someone you don’t admire and discuss, using the prompts available in the worksheet, why you don’t admire this individual.
Group Brainstorm: Identifying Mission
Divided into pairs or small groups, discuss the values most important to your class or organization. Identify your mission as a whole, using the prompts provided in the worksheet. Write down notes or ideas. After you and your group have finished identifying your mission, is there someone you know that exemplifies your mission?
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.
Personal Example of Obstacles/Opportunities
Think about an obstacles or an opportunity you have faced in your life when trying to carry out good work. Use the questions in the activity sheet to guide you.
Obstacles to Good Work
Read the narrative “There’s No ‘I’ in Team” before identifying all of the obstacles Jesse, the protagonist, faces.
School Mission
Write down your school’s mission (if your school does not have one, what do you think it should be?). Then, think about what values are important to your school.