I teach English Composition at a small technical college. My
students plan to become chefs, medical assistants, and IT specialists. Some of my students do not contact me when
they are going to be absent or tardy.
Others text or check emails during class. A few leave early or do not return after
taking a break. Many of my students are
easily discouraged. Some students must develop
their listening skills; and others are easily distracted. As a result, they make careless
mistakes. Those students must learn to
be professionals; and college is the place where they can make their mistakes. I tell students that learning a skill is not
enough; they must develop Habits of Mind.
What are the Habits of Mind? They
are “an identified set of 16 problem solving, life related skills, necessary to
effectively operate in society and promote strategic reasoning, insightfulness,
perseverance, creativity and craftsmanship” (Costa, 2000).
The following links will help you to understand the Habits of Mind.:
http://www.eed.state.ak.us/nclb/2010wc/Habits_of_Mind_Summary.pdf
http://www.chsvt.org/wdp/Habits_of_Mind.pdf
http://www.grrec.ky.gov/Thoughtfuled_files/Cadre2/Habits_of_Mind1.pdf
