New Teaching Strategy Employed at Candlewood MS

At Candlewood Middle School, Resource Room Teachers Debra Gosse and Clare Katz  applied a teaching/learning tool entitled, ‘Habits of Mind-16 Essential Characteristics for Success.’ This strategy is based upon the scientific studies of Art Costa and co-author Bena Kallick.

Habits of Mind, according to The Art Costa Centre for Thinking is defined as such: “Our focus is on performance under challenging conditions that demand strategic reasoning, insightfulness, perseverance, creativity, and craftsmanship. The critical attribute of intelligent human beings is not only having information, but also knowing how to act on it. Employing Habits of Mind requires drawing forth certain patterns of intellectual behavior that produce powerful results. They are a composite of many skills, attitudes and proclivities.”

Ms. Gosse and Ms. Katz first implemented the concept in the 2010/2011 school year, to help students navigate challenges they may encounter, both in school and in their day-to-day lives. To accomplish this, students became more effective thinkers and problem solvers as they discussed and analyzed the 16 characteristics of the program. Employing writing skills, each student created thoughtful scenarios visually and verbally. Their work was compiled in a comprehensive presentation, as an important reference for Candlewood teachers and students alike.

The 16 points are:
1) Persisting
2) Thinking and communicating with clarity and precision
3) Managing impulsivity
4) Gathering data through all senses
5) Listening with understanding and empathy
6) Creating, imagining, innovating
7)Thinking flexibly
8) Responding with wonderment and awe
9) Thinking about thinking
10) Taking responsible risks
11) Striving for accuracy
12) Finding humor
13) Questioning and posing problems
14) Thinking interdependently
15) Applying past knowledge to new situations
16) Remaining open to continuous learning

Habits of Mind guidelines, strategies, and techniques resulted in greater self-awareness and self-reflection for all the students who participated in this year long learning experience. Ultimately, the students have been encouraged to make better choices and to become life-long learners.

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