Fostering Productive
Habits of Mind
Tech Fair Presentation
Kimberly Manner
April 24, 2014
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Outcomes for the Workshop
S Articulate the 16 Habits of Mind and how we use them within the
context of our daily interactions with students.
S Identify 1-3 key Habits of Mind that are most important to our
work with students.
S Identify one practice that can be implemented immediately.
Habits of Mind Inform
Behavior
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A habit is an “acquired predisposition to respond in particular ways.”
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Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick identified 16 “problem solving, life related
skills, necessary to effectively operate in society and promote strategic
reasoning, insightfulness, perseverance, creativity and craftsmanship.”
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In other words…these are the strategies we subconsciously use to help us
overcome challenges.
Habits of Mind in Action
http://youtu.be/VrSUe_m19FY
16 Habits of Mind
SPersist
SThink and communicate with
SManage impulsivity
clarity and precision
SGather data through all senses
SCreate, imagine, and innovate
SRespond with wonderment and
awe
SListen with understanding and
empathy
SThink flexibly
SThink about your thinking
(Metacognition)
SStrive for accuracy
SQuestion and pose problems
SApply past knowledge to new
situation
STake responsible risks
SFind humor
SThink interdependently
SRemain open to continuous
learning
Circles of Influence
Role: Faculty Member
S Self
S Which habits of mind do I already practice?
S Which ones need further development?
S Are there any I tend to abandon in moments of crisis?
Circles of Influence
Role: Faculty Member
S Classroom Environment
S How can I structure the learning environment to foster positive
habits of mind?
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Strength-based teaching
Performance orientation vs. growth orientation
Focus on development toward mastery, not on deficits (feedback vs.
grading)
S Initial assignment one that they will succeed at
S Provide opportunities for students to take responsible risks and
demonstrate mastery
S
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Inquiry-based assignments
Students develop expertise and teach each other in small groups or
pairs
Circles of Influence
Role: Faculty Member
S Course Materials and Delivery
S Revise course materials to address affective domain explicitly
S Assign reading and writing around habits of mind
S Require metacognitive assignments
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Reflective essays
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Journals
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Exam questions
S Incorporate teaching strategies that implicitly teach HoM
(Reading Apprenticeship, FELI)
Think/Pair/Share
S Think about which circle you want to influence. What is
one specific way you can foster productive habits of mind?
What obstacles or challenges do you face? What resources
can you use to overcome these challenges?
S Find a partner. Share your ideas with each other. Can you
think of additional resources your partner could tap into to
effect the desired change?
Resources
S 3 CSN Community of Practice http://3csn.org/completion-
initiative/habits-of-mind/
S Achieving the Dream www.achievingthedream.org
S Carnegie Foundation, “Productive Persistence”
http://www.carnegiefoundation.org/productive-persistence
S Community College of Baltimore County, Maryland. “Culturally
Responsive Teaching.”
S Downing, Skip. On Course: Strategies for Creating Success in College and in
Life.
S Dweck, Carol. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.