Before you start conducting an evaluation, start a conversation with your classmates about the advantages and disadvantages of majoring in a particular subject. Form small groups and choose a subject area to evaluate, such as English, history, business, psychology, chemistry, math, art, or sociology. As a group, identify the kinds of criteria you will use to evaluate each major, such as personal rewards, academic challenges, skill development, or future employment opportunities. Then take turns applying the criteria to your major (or the major that currently interests you most) while the other members of the group listen, respond, and ask questions. After everyone has had a chance to speak, revisit your criteria. Were they useful in helping you evaluate the majors? Would you consider changing these criteria?

If you are doing this activity during class, share your conclusions about your criteria with other groups. Then, as a class, take a few minutes to reflect on the exercise. Did every group use the same criteria? If not, what might account for the differences?