Habits of Mind
In "Describing the Habits of Mind" by Arthur
L. Costa and Bena Kallick there is one prevailing theme: Student performance. Whether it's students pushing and prevailing
through their courses or the more common scene, students just giving up entirely. These are all Habits of the Mind that
we hold and remain faithful to in our minds. A unique problem solve that is built into each of us over time. Whether it is
persistence, above average listening skills, or maybe even posing questions to get a clearer answer of what is being
asked; all are very exclusive habits of our minds. However that's only to name a few. There are many different habits
that have yet to be elaborated on. Each hold their own in specific areas, but that isn't to say that they're all held
in the same rank. Think of them as a set of tools in a toolbox. I can't expect to fix a car with only a screwdriver
right? This is where broad thinkers and flexible minds come into play. As for my own habit, it's unusually hard to pin
point a set habit I rely on solely. However, Metacognition definitely takes the cake. A rather odd and complex habit.
Calling Metacogntion in itself a habit is selling it unreasonably short. If the habits of mind are to be considered a
toolbox , then Metacognition would have to be considered as the toolbox itself. Metacogntion at
its simplest could be described as being aware of everything. Discerning what I don't know and what I do know. Leading
into whatever means necessary to fill in the gaps of knowledge. Easily a prime example of what it looks like to use many
different types of "tools" or habits, to do what needs to be done. This fairly describes me throughout my entire life of school. From the beginning of my school
life I have always had a strong grasp of what I know and what I absolutely had no clue on. As withdrawn as I was, I
quickly became aware of my shortcomings. Something needed to be done. I quickly took up many habits of thinking to try and
overcome these shortcomings in my own way. The only way to describe it was combining various different "habits" or as I
would call it "becoming a Metacognition-er"
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