habits of mind
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Habits of Mind
Habits of Mind
Certain character traits — or habits of mind — promote critical thinking and effective decision making. Whether you are completing a social studies assignment or dealing with other challenges, these habits of mind can help you achieve success at school and in life.
What habits of mind or critical thinking you have pursued?
1. I’m an active thinker
I explore alternatives and consider their strengths and weekness
I persevere. The first — or most obvious — solution is not always the best.
I resist pressure to adopt opinions just because they are popular.
I think about how I’m thinking about an issue.
2. I am curious
I do not take everything at face value. I investigate beyond the obvious.
I take time to think about things and explore unanswered questions.
I look for various sources of information and expert opinions.
Critical Thinking
You are engaging in process of critical thinking when –in response to issue questions — you weigh evidence, analyze points of view and perspectives, and evaluate the consequences of a decision. Critical thinking requires you to make reasoned judgement about issues by considering evidence and using clear CRITERIA to guide your decisions.
An effective critical thinker:
- consider all relevant evidence
- develops criteria for making reasoned judgments
- make judgments on the basis of these criteria
- works on developing the character traits, or habits of mind that promote effective decision making