Consumer Awareness Module Introduction and Project Ideas

This consumer awareness module has been designed to increase learners’ knowledge of their own consumer behaviors, consumer education options, personal budgeting and financial planning, and the basics of using credit.  While consumerism is touched upon in many ESOL texts, this curriculum seeks to expand upon information and activities that are commonly provided and help learners personalize and apply their knowledge.

To further personalize the learning experience, the instructor is encouraged to guide the learners in designing and implementing an appropriate final project.  While the instructor serves as an advisor and facilitator, learners can decide upon an area of consumer awareness that they would like to explore further and create a project to do so.

Below are some suggestions for final projects on consumer-related issues.  These are only suggestions; the learners can implement other ideas of their choosing if the instructor feels they are suited to the topic area.

Organize and take a field trip to a financial institution such as a bank.  Prepare questions in advance for the speaker at the institution.

Invite a speaker from a financial institution to come to your class and present information on banking or credit.  Prepare questions in advance for the speaker.

Invite a speaker such as an accountant to come to your class, demonstrate and answer questions about filing a basic income tax form by yourself (rather than paying to have it done).

Prepare a booklet or poster of helpful consumer advice for newcomers to the United States.

Prepare a booklet or poster on how to get and use credit wisely for people who don’t have credit yet.

Back