Most learning scenarios involve three elements:
We are given objectives, we are trained on how to achieve those objectives, and we learn from the results.
Growing up, this was our primary learning structure, but several others emerged about the same time. The main issue was that they were not, and still are not, common practice.
I've already covered others via self-taught learning and diligent practice. However, I have not addressed mental habits. These habits, like other nontraditional learning strategies, are quite effective.
What Are “Habits of Mind”?
The habits themselves are not novel nor revolutionary. Art Costa and Bena Kallick, authors of Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind: 16 Essential Characteristics for Success, feel that these habits are based on intent rather than activity.
Another way to look at it is that our mental habits encourage us to approach challenges from many perspectives. Not only that, but it can be difficult to attain because these mental habits require ability and expertise to use effectively.
So don't expect to master these quickly.
The 16 Habits of Mind
But don't get discouraged since it will be difficult. As previously stated, these behaviors are neither complex nor novel. Chances are, you have some of these tendencies.
The difficulty is to apply those behaviors in a learning environment to further develop oneself. With that said, here's a breakdown of the habits.
1. PERSISTING
Persistence is about not giving up and attaining your goals. This has happened countless times throughout the years. When it comes to developing this skill, the best thing to do in this situation is to refer to these examples.
This helps with learning since it inspires us to keep studying and working toward our goals.
2. MANAGING IMPULSIVITY
Remember that mental habits are designed to uncover problems that people would otherwise overlook. This is important because when we observe problems, we tend to act on impulse. We don't bother to consider other options.
This mental habit allows us to hesitate, but just to evaluate other scenarios. In other words, you want to be patient when coming up with answers and selecting how to proceed.
This helps in a learning setting since it forces us to consider our options when faced with a dilemma.
3. LISTENING WITH UNDERSTANDING AND EMPATHY
Many of us listen to respond rather than understand and connect with the other person. Instead of listening to and understanding a message, we may find ourselves comparing, condemning, placating, or offering advice during a conversation.
To strengthen those talents, observe yourself anytime you do such things. This can also aid with learning since when we listen to comprehend, we gain a better understanding of topics and difficulties.
4. THINKING FLEXIBLY
We all have our own thoughts and perspectives on reality, and this bias permeates everything we see, read, and study. To create this special habit of mind, we must look at things from a new perspective.
That is not to mean we should be skeptical of everything, but rather to take a different perspective than ourselves or the original speakers. Place yourself in many shoes and go about in them, as they say.
In terms of learning settings, using multiple perspectives leads to a deeper understanding. Knowing one side of a situation is beneficial, but understanding where both parties are coming from is much better.
5. METACOGNITION
Alternatively called as thinking about thinking, cultivating this habit boils down to that. You must be conscious of your thought process.
Charting a map is how you accomplish this. A nice example is creating a diagram showing relationships. It's a map that depicts the relationship between a want and a need, as well as a gesture and the urge to gesture.
6. STRIVING FOR ACCURACY
This mental habit ensures that you are doing things correctly. How would you know if you were doing it correctly without someone telling you?
While you don't want to rely on other people's opinions, it is nevertheless beneficial to have others confirm that what you're doing is correct and that you're making progress.
This is why it is beneficial to have at least two or three individuals assess your work before moving on. Assume that reviewing is possible.
7. QUESTIONING AND POSING PROBLEMS
Presenting difficulties and asking questions promotes learning. For other generations, this is second nature, since many are not hesitant to use Google to sort things out. This, too, contributes to the development of the habit.
That, or if you're in the middle of something, you may jot down queries on post-its.
8. APPLYING PAST KNOWLEDGE TO NEW SITUATIONS
Another aspect of mental habits is that they form as a result of experience. These encounters may be recent or historical. Recalling and applying past knowledge to new situations can be beneficial.
It is not always the greatest answer, but knowing what has been done in the past might help provide a better understanding. In any case, drawing on your existing knowledge can help you learn more effectively.
9. THINKING AND COMMUNICATING WITH CLARITY & PRECISION
This one goes hand in hand with listening for comprehension and empathy. The goal behind this habit of mind is to talk directly to people rather than being vague, abstract, or imprecise.
Examples of these words include always, all, everybody, celebrities, and technology.
It's not that employing these words is wrong or inappropriate. The ability to talk directly and think with a limited focus is useful when confronting a challenge. Just because one piece of technology is defective does not imply that all technology is defective. When addressing a problem and communicating, we must prioritize the specific point.
10. GATHERING DATA THROUGH ALL SENSES
This entails looking at a variety of learning resources. Of course, source quality is vital, but using sensory data, blogs, and other third-party sources can be beneficial.
11. CREATING, IMAGINING, INNOVATING
Learning can occur through a variety of means. It's also beneficial to keep our creative side alive because it can create opportunities for us to come up with new ideas.
Similar to being adaptable in our thoughts, expanding into areas where we may not thrive might be beneficial.
12. RESPONDING WITH WONDERMENT AND AWE
If you regard studying as a chore, you're unlikely to remember any material. We must have a strong interest in the subject and are ready to learn and engage with it.
One of the side effects of being engaged in a topic is feeling amazement and wonder.
13. TAKING RESPONSIBLE RISKS
This habit of mind prioritizes how we see failure and when to take chances. It is critical to view failure as an opportunity to progress rather than something to be punished for.
14. FINDING HUMOR
Humor may bring us back to reality since we find all types of situations humorous. While what you are learning may be important, including it in stories that elicit happy feelings may help it stick.
15. THINKING INTERDEPENDENTLY
Today, this is easier to accomplish, thanks in part to social media. Because we are all connected, we may easily share our opinions with others. Every day, new content is created, shared, and consumed that can assist us in this regard.
16. REMAINING OPEN TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING
The final habit of mind is to learn continuously. As the habit suggests, learning is ongoing, and previous notions must be corrected. After all, we know how difficult it can be when approaches or perspectives are out of date.
The world is always evolving and improving, both online and offline. It is up to us to stay up to date by growing ourselves. How to Develop the Habit of Continuous Learning for a Better You
Final Thoughts
Our mental habits are greatly influenced by our own world experiences and skills. The more we get out there and experience life, the more we'll acquire and improve these 16 skills.
By taking these techniques to heart and applying them to our learning, we may begin to alter our lives because the knowledge we receive can be applied in a variety of situations. Mental habits are the keys to our success and growth.
