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A habit of mind is knowing how to behave intelligently.
A Habit of Mind is knowing what to do when we are unsure or unclear of the next step or when we DON'T know the answer.
A Habit of Mind means having a disposition toward behaving intelligently when confronted with problems, the answers to which are not immediately known: contradictions, dilemmas, inquiries and uncertainties.
21st century learning is not about gathering information but about knowing how to act on it, knowing what questions to ask of it and being able to thinking critically about content and origin. The Habits of Mind give us the behaviors that shape effective inquiry and encourage independent learning. I'm proud of what I did back in elementary which was always completing homework no matter how much I hated it. I was rewarded at home by being able to go to the park. I think most people want to learn when they stay home a lot. When there's nothing to do but play games, watch TV, play with toys and go on kids' websites, I would eventually get bored of the same thing over and over again. Going outside to go get some air would always help me with socializing, getting active and getting a good night sleep. When I spend most time outside, I tend to get bored in class and don't want to do homework. I grew a theory while still in high school that people who was brought up in life by running around in the streets tend to leave school without finishing it because they got addicted to how much fun they receive as in a non-rewarded way. I can give my little niece candy after she does her ABC homework but if I gave her candy and she doesn't finish her homework, she'll most likely say no and would try to get it if I hide it. To me, this would be an act of cleverness and may be consider as a habit of mind. I do a lot of past knowledge to new situations. I always meet someone new and notice that they be having problems that I had before I met them. I know the answer to their problems while they are trying to figure out an answer. Just the other day, a friend of mine wanted to know how he can quit smoking. I told him to chew gum. It's the same thing when you want bad teeth problems because smoking leads to rotten teeth and gum chewing leads to cavities which also makes your teeth rotten. It gets to the point where your teeth needs to be removed. He saw me the next day and offered me some gum. Ironically I said, "my favorite!" But I didn't take it. Today in life, it seems like people are looking for humor in everything. People look for humor in school, while working, in a transportation ride and at home. Finding humor is the most common habit of mind that is being used everyday. There is always a time period for me when going to school every week get's boring because nothing new happens. I start to socialize just to hear a good joke or at least try to make one. I love to hear or see something funny all the time because I'm always busy doing something. Working while noticing some humor keeps me from being bored but sometimes it can distract me. Another habit of mind that applies to me is listening with empathy and understanding. When two people argue or fight, I always like to hear both sides of the story so I can see where, when, why and how it all started. I always try to see the story in general from both points of view like a judge. I started this type of habit back in Jr. high when I saw Judge Judy for the first time on television. Let's say my friends Jamie and James had a fight that became deadly. I first talk to James to see his point of view and then I go and talk to Jamie to see his. I look for similarities and facts. It turns out that James threw a book at Jamie and Jamie was having a bad day so he got up and may the first hit. If I was having a bad day, I would have somewhat did the same thing. James was bored and wanted to play a game of throwing objects at each other like they usually do. I would let James make the apology while Jamie accepts it. If both had to apologize, the word unfair would come into mind and may lead to another confrontation that could be avoided. Having a habit of mind can feel good. The habits that apply to me share something together in a big meaning. That meaning is that I want to travel and explore. I've never been out of the state and only been out of the city twice but like once every 2-4 years later. When I'm ask if I've ever been to this place or that place, I try to find humor before I answer so no one would know how I feel inside before I give the answer. I use listening with empathy and understanding when people describe their view of a place they been to so that one day, if I can, I'll travel there to see what they were talking about. I think we humans are born with all the habits of mind but due to stereotypes and ignorance, people tend to not use them.
Persisting
Managing Impulsivity
Listening With Understanding and Empathy
Thinking Flexibly
Thinking About Thinking (Metacognition)
Striving For Accuracy and Precision
Questioning and Posing Problems
Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations
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Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision
Gathering Data through All Senses
Creating, Imagining, and Innovating
Responding With Wonderment and Awe
Taking Responsible Risks
Finding Humor
Thinking Interdependently
Remaining Open to Continuous Learning
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© MICHAEL WATT 2009
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