Instructor directions are listed below:
- Have students use their markers to draw two vertical lines on their dry-erase boards, creating 3 columns.
- Have students draw a horizontal line across the top of the board and title the columns "S", "I" and "V", which will stand for Strengths, Interests, and Values. If you are using the Thinkabit Lab Notebook, have students to page titled "Unique Talents".
- Encourage students that over the next few moments while completing this activity, you want them to be a bit self-centered, thinking only of themselves and not worried about others around them.
If you are using the Thinkabit Lab Notebook, you can either have them record their SIVs in the notebook rather than on their boards, or copy what they write on their boards into their notebooks.
While asking students to create the three labeled columns on their boards, it may help to have a completed example to show them. You may want to have an example ready or create one along with them.
We strongly recommend that you do not grade this activity as it is designed for students to celebrate their individuality. The goal of this activity is to get students to self-select their SIVs, so try not to guide them too much. We have learned that students tend to write down what they hear, rather than taking the time to think about things they do well and enjoy. For some students this may be a difficult task, so encourage them to write at least 2-3 items in each column. If you have time, work to identify more strengths, interests, and values over the course of your time with them.
At the Thinkabit Lab, students develop self-awareness by exploring their unique Strengths (S), Interests (I) and Values (V). While it is common for students to share similar strengths with some of their friends, the unique combination of each person’s SIVs is very personal. Individual SIVs can contribute and inform one’s career choices and education path. It is important to revisit one’s SIVs on a regular basis because they will change over time, as we are constantly influenced by people (e.g., friends, parents, teachers, etc.) and our surroundings (e.g., school, job, media, etc.).