Enhancing The Value of Generosity
Amidst The Greediness Tendency
Title: It’s In My Gene!
Rationale:
In today's interconnected world, fostering a culture of generosity is essential for nurturing
positive social interactions and improving the well-being of communities. By engaging in acts of
kindness, individuals can develop empathy and a sense of belonging, essential for overcoming
challenges and creating a supportive environment for personal growth. Despite the importance of
generosity, it's crucial to recognize that human nature also includes tendencies towards greed,
which can obstruct the formation of a compassionate and empathetic society. The pursuit of
wealth and selfish interests may at times overshadow the virtues of compassion and altruism.
The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) proposed by Deci and Ryan (1985) highlights that
individuals who experience autonomy, competence, and relatedness are more inclined to exhibit
kindness and compassion. Autonomy is significant as it nurtures intrinsic motivation, enabling
individuals to act in alignment with their principles and values. This sense of self-directedness
encourages voluntary acts of generosity, free from external pressures. Competence instills
confidence in providing support, while relatedness strengthens generosity in relationships.
By fulfilling these psychological needs, individuals not only nurture empathy, compassion, and
altruism but also contribute to the creation of a more connected and empathetic society. Through
structured learning experiences, participants can actively practice generosity, enhance social
connections, and foster gratitude within group settings.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the session, the participants are expected:
● To foster knowledge of the concept of generosity to be aware of the greediness tendency.
● To cultivate a culture of gratitude and reciprocity by inspiring acts of giving, creating a
positive ripple effect of kindness and appreciation.
● To feel motivated and inspired to pay it forward by sharing their experiences and
encouraging the continuation of kind acts and positivity in the community.
Time Required: One (1) hour
Focus Activity: Lego! Here we go!
Experiencing: 10 Participants
Instructions:
1st Part - 30 minutes
1. The facilitators will arrange the setting of the game. A long table will be placed in
front with the boxes on it.
2. The facilitators will create markings on the floor using tapes that will be used for the
game later.
3. The group will be divided into two equal groups to create Group 1 and Group 2.
4. From the starting point, the first participants from every group will play the rock-
paper-scissor game to determine who will take the first step.
5. The goal of the game is to win until you reach the table from the opposite side.
6. If a participant reaches the table, he is allowed to take as many Legos as they can
using one hand.
7. The group who got more Legos will be declared as winners.
2nd Part – 20 Minutes
1. In the same group, the collected Legos must be used to stack and pile one Lego at a
time.
2. All the collected Legos must be utilized by the group.
3. If the group cannot utilize all the Legos, they are free to give it to the other group or
keep it.
4. If all the Legos are stacked and piled and utilized by a group, then they will be
declared as winners.
Data Gathering/ Publishing:
● Gather the participants' experiences.
● Document all the experiences by writing them on the board.
● Take note of the differences and similarities
● Observe and take note of any nonverbal cues during the activity.
● Pay attention to the participants' contributions that are relevant to the topic being
discussed.
Drawing Feedback:
What did you observe? What did you feel? What did you learn?
Processing:
1. How did you find the activity?
2. What part of the activity did you find the most challenging?
3. While you were playing the game, how did you feel?
4. How did you or your group decide on giving items to other groups?
5. What influences you and your group in giving your items to other groups?
6. Reflecting on the activity, how did the restriction on exchanging items influence the
participants' decision-making process?
7. In what ways did the activity foster a sense of support among the participants?
8. After giving your items, what did you feel?
9. How did you feel when the other group gave their item to your group?
10. How did the activity promote a culture of giving and sharing within the groups? Can you
share a memorable moment that exemplified this aspect of the activity?
11. Based on your experience, what lessons can be applied to real-life situations or daily
interactions?
Synthesis:
In life, we make so much effort to collect and gather things for our pleasure. Some are lucky
enough to take more than the others. In the activity, doing your best to win in the rock-paper-
scissors game is a form of effort to achieve the goal of collecting more Legos than the other. It is
good since it marks individual motivation and persistence to reach goals. In the second part of
the game, the idea of generosity is highlighted. If you have more Legos, it might be impossible to
stack and pile them in one column; nonetheless, since they are free to give it to other groups, it
creates an opportunity to give some to lessen their burden of stacking and piling it or not. Here,
the idea of generosity and greediness will be explored.
Lecturette:
1. Generosity
The quality of being kind, selfless, and giving without expecting anything in return. It
involves a willingness to offer assistance, support, or resources to others in a
compassionate and empathetic manner.
2. Selflessness
The quality of being concerned more about the needs and well-being of others than about
oneself. It involves acts of generosity, altruism, and sacrifice without expecting personal
gain or recognition in return.
3. Social bond
A social bond refers to the connection or relationship between individuals within a group
or community. It encompasses the emotional ties, trust, and interactions that link people
together, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
4. Supportive acts
An action or behaviors aimed to provide assistance, comfort, or encouragement to others
in times of need or difficulty. These acts involve offering help, empathy, or resources to
individuals facing challenges, with the intention of alleviating their burden or enhancing
their well-being.
5. Greediness
An intense and excessive desire for material wealth, possessions, power, or resources
beyond what is necessary for one's needs. It is driven by a insatiable craving for more
leading individuals to prioritize self-interest and personal gain over the well-being of
others.
Back-Home Learning:
Complete the sentences below:
I am making___
I am proud___
I will be___
I am worthy___
I am surrounded___
References:
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human
behavior. New York, NY: Plenum.