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Habits & Mindsets
Students reference their teacher's guidance in organization, study habits, character traits and values (like persistence, striving for accuracy). They have internalized these traits beyond just talking about them, which has led to personal growth on the part of the student.
Introduction
Costa and Kallick define a Habit of Mind as "having a disposition toward behaving intelligently when confronted with problems" (2012). Having the ability to utilize schema and make well informed decisions is a lifelong skill. It is my intention to teach students these character traits and values, such as persisting, striving for accuracy, or applying past knowledge to new situations, that will serve them in any future schooling or career they pursue. Based upon my modeling and guidance, students strengthened their organization, study habits, and overall character throughout the school year. This was accomplished through explicit teaching, a year-long challenge, praise, and informal reinforcement. Through reflection, students have internalized these habits enough to routinely act them out in and out of the classroom. Beyond this, students now recognize and praise one another demonstrating the habits in daily life.
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Visit the links below to visit two Habits of Mind.
All images are available in the public domain.
Conclusion
By teaching, modeling, and reinforcing Habits of Mind in the classroom, students are better equipped to navigate the world. These traits are not mandated by state standards, yet will impact students' lifelong success academically, personally, and in career. Having practiced and patterned these dispositions, students internalized organization, study habits, character traits, and values provided by the educator. I have witnessed the dramatic difference teaching and reinforcing these behaviors in the classroom makes. Students increase engagement, overall content interest, and seek to be more independent.
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