Productive Habits of Mind

Teachers can't teach and students can't learn everything there is to know. However, schools can facilitate the development of mental habits that will enable students to learn on their own. The Dimensions of Learning framework includes specific ways to develop students' self-regulatory, creative, and critical thinking skills. Instruction to foster habits of mind includes the reinforcement of long-term goals such as valuing accuracy, responding to feedback, planning effectively, and using resources.

 Key Elements of
Productive Habits of Mind

 Critical Thinking

• Being accurate and seeking accuracy

• Being clear and seeking clarity

• Being open minded

• Restraining impulsivity

• Taking a position when the information warrants it

• Being sensitive to others' feelings and level of knowledge

Creative Thinking

• Engaging intensely in tasks even when answers or solutions are not immediately apparent

• Pushing the limits of your knowledge and abilities.

• Generating, trusting, and maintaining your own standards of evaluation

• Generating new ways to viewing a situation outside the boundaries of standard convention

Self-Regulation

• Being aware of your own thinking

• Planning

• Being aware of necessary resources

• Being sensitive to feedback

• Evaluating the effectiveness of your actions

For additional information or assistance call the Community Instructional Specialist for your cluster or Antoinette Kellaher, Department of Staff Development, (301-805-2700).

The Dimensions of Learning Teachers' Manual

Observing Dimensions of Learning in Classrooms and Schools (Brown-ASCD), and related materials can be borrowed from the Bonnie Johns Center Teacher Resource Library (301-386-1605).

 Click here for Dimensions of Learning Graphic Organizers Page

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