Habits & Mindset

Students reference their teacher’s guidance in organization, study habits, character traits and values (like persistence, striving for accuracy, etc.). They have internalized these traits beyond just talking about them which has led to personal growth on the part of the student.

Introduction

Habits of Mind traits play an essential role in how my students are able to respond to challenging situations both inside and outside of the classroom. By teaching my students the skill sets associated with thinking flexibly and questioning and posing problems I am creating a learning environment that builds on foundational skills taught in conjunction with Science content. Through the internalization of these standards my students are prepared to interact with content and situations beyond my classroom and strengthen their 21st century learning capabilities. In this module you will see some of the best practices from my classroom that ensure students are being challenged to grow in their academic productivity as well as their overall personal growth. The two standards that are reflected in this module play a critical role in student retention, engagement, and understanding of Science content because they are closely aligned with North Carolina content standards and my own cultural expectations within the classroom. Science is rooted in inquiry and through frequent practice with the Habits of Mind traits embedded in our work and everyday expectations, my students have gained valuable skill sets which has led to personal growth on the part of my student.

Click below to see how Thinking Flexibly and Questioning & Posing Problems have helped develop my students as inquisitive learners.

Conclusion

This section has given you insight into how Habits of Mind are incorporated into my classroom to provide my students with a more balanced academic experience while helping them to grow socially and personally. By reinforcing my students ability to think flexibly and investigate through their own line of questioning I work to leverage prior knowledge and experiences for a more holistic learning environment. As they continue to internalize the Habits of Mind skillsets, my students will be better prepared to tackle real life challenges that they may face and are better equipped for the next levels of their education. Students were challenged to show their understanding and application of the Habit of Mind through numerous activities that were designed to be inclusive of every learning level and varying cultural perspective.