A familiar, reasonable, and superficially successful lesson in report-writing is described (small groups of students edit each other's reports for re-writing), its effect on the student analyzed (demoralization, loss of confidence, defensiveness), and an alternative, positive lesson suggested, in which highlights are circled instead of errors. (AJ)

The goal of this inservice guide for teaching consumer education at the secondary and adult level is to help consumers become more assertive when buying goods and services. A major section in the guide defines assertiveness. The four basic components of assertive behavior are the ability to express emotions openly, the capacity to exercise one's…