Teacher's corner : a look at Dolceta module 4 : consumer education lesson plans and resources for teachers and trainers

Abstract

Why Consumer Education? The need for effective Consumer Education has never been greater. Today’s society is rapidly changing and increasingly more complex. New lifestyles result in different needs and wants, new products and new services mushroom daily, and consumers of every age are constantly bombarded with information. However, availability of information is not enough for consumers to make informed responsible decisions to function as effective citizens and to lead confident and healthy lives. It is highly necessary to complement information with education which addresses knowledge, attitudes and skills to help individual consumers look for, understand and apply consumer information for maximum benefit in the short- and long-term. Consumer Education is essential for consumers to be able to make the right choices for their own circumstances and to deal with the consequences when products and services do not function as desired. In an ideal situation, consumers make their decisions keeping in mind health, economic, social or political consequences of their consumer behaviour, both for themselves and for others. [excerpt]