2. Why Smart People do Stupid Things Practice Scenarios Marie Varner, Brian Campbell, Mario Jacquez EDTEC 670, Fall 2009

3. Instructions for Use ► This slideshow offers narrated scenarios  Watch in “Presentation Mode” for audio to function ► To be used in conjunction with the book  Why Smart People Can Be So Stupid ► For each scenario, there will be:  Narrated slide with key features of scenario  Choice of possible actions  Reflection ► Document choices and reflections on accompanying worksheet

4. Scenario #1: Beth ► Successful College Student ► Majoring in Psychology ► Advisor recommends Applied Research  Would help her obtain Career Goals  Requires taking difficult Math coursework  Student struggles in Math

5. Scenario #1: Choices ► take the courses in Math to better her chances in her chosen field? OR ► Decline the coursework and focus on her goals without the Research experience?

6. Scenario #1: Reflection ► What makes your choice the smarter one? ► What are the factors Beth would have to consider to make this choice?

7. Scenario #2: Education ► Chemistry Major in College  Hard-working student, overcomes obstacles  Successful as a result – high marks ► Professor recommends Biology Courses  To supplement Chemistry courses  Rationale: realistic employment opportunity ► Local positions require Biochemistry background

8. Scenario #2: Choices ► Consider courses in Biology knowing that you don’t have much experience? OR ► Continue studying Physical Chemistry and plan to move to another area?

9. Scenario #2: Reflection ► What makes your choice the smarter one? ► What are the factors you would have to consider to make this choice?

10. Scenario #3: John ► John just started a new job with high salary ► Past financial life has been frugal, juggling  Minimum payments just to get by ► Driving an old car (100K miles)  In dire need of repair/maintenance

11. Scenario #3: Choices ► Should John buy a new car now that he can afford it? OR ► should he keep his old car and make larger payments on his credit card debt?

12. Scenario #3: Reflection ► What makes your choice the smarter one? ► What are the factors John would have to consider to make this choice?

13. Scenario #4: Apartment ► Must move out of apartment within 30 days ► You make $3,000 per month ► Rent + Expenses = $2500  Leaves only 500 for disposable income ► 5% pay raise in the next 60 days ► You find two prospects for new apartment

14. Scenario #4: Choices Which apartment do you choose: ► Apartment A: more desirable than old one, but costs $100 more per month OR ► Apartment B: comparable to your old apartment that is $50 less than your old apartment

15. Scenario #4: Reflection ► What makes your choice the smarter one? ► What are the factors you would have to consider to make this choice?

16. Scenario #5: George ► Just received two free tickets to Major League Baseball game ► Good seats, well-liked team ► Early morning commitment  Presentation in Sociology Class  Has a low grade currently  Needed to pass the course

17. Scenario #5: Choices ► Should George go to the game and work on his presentation when he gets home and hope for a good grade, OR ► stay home and work on the presentation to get the best possible grade?

18. Scenario #5: Reflection ► What makes your choice the smarter one? ► What are the factors George would have to consider to make this choice?

19. Scenario #6: Leaky Roof ► You notice your roof is leaking ► Committed to fixing it next available time ► friend invites you to awesome concert  Short notice, must leave with the hour ► You say yes, realizing shortly after there’s a big storm coming tomorrow

20. Scenario #6: Choices ► Do you go with your friend to the concert? OR ► Do you skip the concert to fix the leaky roof?

21. Scenario #6: Reflection ► What makes your choice the smarter one? ► What are the factors you would have to consider to make this choice?