Prior to being explained the correct definition of a Habit of Mind, I resolved that it meant a natural of developed specific way of thinking. By this, it seemed that it seemed that it could also mean a process in your brain which subconscious. Other students tried their hand at the meaning. The majority of the class combined the identity of the two words to fit suitably together.

What: A Habit of Mind can be viewed as the way to behave intelligently when faced with a problem you cannot solve. It requires having the disposition to be able create an answer based on it’s setting. It focuses more on a strategic approach to a question, such as that of tactics rather than straight answer. To employ Habits of Mind, it is necessary that you draw on a plan that ends in the most powerful response. You must show your main value, your inclination, sensitivity, capability and commitment

The sixteen Habits of Mind which were mapped by Costa and Kallick are listed here. They are taken from the Habits of Mind website:

§         Persisting

§         Thinking and communicating with clarity and precision

§         Managing impulsivity

§         Gathering data through all senses

§         Listening with understanding and empathy

§         Creating, imagining, innovating

§         Thinking flexibly

§         Responding with wonderment and awe

§         Thinking about thinking (metacognition)

§         Taking responsible risks

§         Striving for accuracy

§         Finding humour

§         Questioning and posing problems

§         Thinking interdependently

§         Applying past knowledge to new situations

§         Remaining open to continuous learning

Who: Habits of Mind is defined and described in the books ‘Discovering and Exploring Habits of Mind’, ‘Activating and Engaging Habits of Mind’, ‘Assessing and Reporting Habits of Mind’ and ‘Integrating and Assessing Habits of Mind’. They are written by the researchers Arthur L Costa and Bena Kallick.