This activity was developed by Dr. Siobahn Smith-Jones of the University of Louisville. Smith-Jones research includes media studies and reality television.
Materials Needed: None.
Estimated Class Time Needed: 15 to 20 minutes total. 5 minutes for completion of questionnaire, 10 to 15 minutes for class discussion.
Instructions: This activity engages students and learns about their personality and goals. Have students answer the following questions.
Name:
Email:
Phone:
Select one word that begins with the same letter as your first name that clearly defines who you are.
What is your favorite genre of TV programs? Talk, news, sports, soaps, comedy, reality, etc.
What are your favorite two or three TV programs?
If all goes as planned, where do you see yourself in 5 years? Location, career path, personal goals, etc.
What is the farthest location you have ever traveled from your home?
If you have a job, tell me what it is and where you work.
If I were to ask your best friend, what would he/she say is your most desirable personality trait?
What was the fascinating book/movie you've read/viewed this past year?
Are you obsessive about anything? What?
Which of the following do you spend some time with at least once a week? Highlight the three that you spend the most time with. Then, try to estimate how many hours each day you spend with all of the items listed.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Tumblr
Snapchat
Reading news online
Sports scores
Chat rooms
Videos online
TV viewing (in real time--not recorded)
DVR (recorded television)
Netflix/Hulu/Apple TV+/etc.
Shopping online
Video games
Email
Radio/music
Other (please define)