Case Study: Making a Commitment

In the Classroom

Eric Silver is a freshman in college. He doesn't know what major to choose and isn't even sure if he wants to continue going to college. His parents are urging him to pursue his college career, but Eric wants to go to work instead. In high school, he never settled on a favorite subject, though he did briefly consider becoming a private investigator after reading a detective novel. His peers seem more committed to college and have better study habits. Eric prefers a hands-on approach to learning, and he finds it difficult to concentrate while studying or listening to a lecture. However, he enjoys the outdoors and is creative. Once he gets involved in a project he finds interesting, he is very committed.


1			What strategies from this chapter would be most useful to help Eric understand himself better and gain a sense of commitment?




2			What would you suggest to Eric to help him find direction?

In the Workplace

Eric has taken a job as a law enforcement officer. He feels more comfortable in this job than he did in school, since he knows he performs best when actively learning. He enjoys teamwork and the exchange of ideas with his co-workers. Eric also realizes that, in order to advance in his work, he needs to continue his education. He is concerned about balancing his work, school, and family life. He does admit that he did not excel in subjects he was less interested in. Eric never learned effective study habits but realizes that he must be disciplined when returning to college.


3			What suggestions would you give Eric to help him do better in school?




4			Under what category of learning style does Eric fall and what are the ineffective traits of this style that he needs to work on most?

Your Results:

In the Classroom

In the Workplace

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