The goal of this inservice guide for teaching consumer education at the secondary and adult level is to help consumers become more assertive when buying goods and services. A major section in the guide defines assertiveness. The four basic components of assertive behavior are the ability to express emotions openly, the capacity to exercise one's rights, the confidence to stand up for oneself, and the freedom to choose when assertive behavior is appropriate. Structured activities to help consumers develop trust in their ability to affect change are presented. Other major sections of the guide stress self-assessment procedures, communications skill training, and the development of a step-by-step process toward being assertive in consumer situations. Activities include (1) identification of the ten most common problems experienced by consumers, (2) exploration of present attitudes toward assertiveness through image recall of past consumer experiences, (3) selection of a person as a model for assertive behavior, (4) discrimination between assertive, nonassertive, and aggressive behaviors, and (5) role playing to learn communication skills. Fourteen situation vignettes allow the participant to practice responding assertively. Pre- and posttests and a list of resources relevant to assertiveness training are included. (KC)