The Consumer Behavior Challenge: Designing an Assignment to Motivate Student Reflection and Self-Growth

Abstract

The tension caused by change pushes students to reflect on their new situation, examine preconceived ideas, and synthesize new with existing knowledge. In the Consumer Behavior Challenge, students are challenged to step outside of their comfort zone by changing a behavior or trying something new for a period of time. Through guided reflection questions and writing a blog entry, students work to make sense of their challenge experience and recognize consumer behavior concepts that affect their behaviors. The assignment helps motivate deeper levels of thinking and sets students on a path of academic and personal discovery and growth.