I learned about the Habits Of The Mind from Deborah Meier, an educator and advocate for democratic education for over 40 years. I use the habits in every aspect of teaching and learning. The habits should be internalized by every student, and used no matter what they are studying about, both in school and especially out of it!
Habits Of The Mind Standards:
Evidence - How do you know that? Proof? Facts to base claims.
Perspective - Whose point of view? Who said it and why?
Relevance - Who cares? Why is that important?
Supposition - Hypothesizing. What if?
Connections - What patterns? How related?
Knowing and learning take on importance only when we are convinced it matters, it makes a difference. Having a good mind and being well-educated don't always seem important to young people. It matters because it will help us get ahead, get into a good college, hold a well-paying job. But that's not the whole story! It will also help save the world! That sounds kind of corny. But it is also true.
It's important to be able to stand alone, to take personal responsibility. But it's also important to learn to work together with others - to collaborate. That means not forgetting our family, our friends, and our community as we gain success in life.
Young people are in a lot of conflict between their ambitions, their compassion for others and their loyalties to family and friends. That's where they need you - their parents. There is no better source of wisdom on relevant issues.
Next time, I am going to write about Make A Difference Day on Oct. 27th and some children's picture books that are good to introduce any lesson you want to teach about how to make a difference i.e. create social change.
A great book for parents and teachers is, The Power of Their Ideas, by Deborah Meier
Happy reading:)
Best,
Debra
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