Thinking about our thinking (metacognition) They are able to change perspective, consider the input of others, generate alternatives and weigh-up options. They see their way as the only way.įlexible thinkers are open to different ways of working, seek novel approaches and envision a range of consequences. Some children can’t always see an alternative point of view or deal with more than one classification system simultaneously. They have the capacity to change their mind as they receive additional data.” “Flexible people are the ones with the most control.
They hold their thoughts at a distance in order to respect another person’s point of view and feelings. They try to put themselves in the other person’s shoes. You listen not only to the “music”, but also to the essence of the person speaking.Ĭhildren who are active listeners pay attention to and do not dismiss another person’s thoughts, feeling and ideas. Senge et al (1994) note that to listen fully means to pay close attention to what is being said beneath the words. The ability to listen to another person, to empathise with, and to understand their point of view is tricky for all of us and certainly not something we expect children to learn easily. “Highly effective people spend an inordinate amount of time and energy listening.” (Covey, 1989). Listening to others with understanding and empathy They are thoughtful and considerate of others and proceed carefully. They take time to consider options, think before speaking or acting, stay calm when stressed or challenged. Reflective learners don’t jump straight in but check what they need to do, develop a plan before they start and consider alternatives. Children might say the first thing that comes into their head or start working on something with understanding the instructions. “Effective problem solvers have a sense of deliberativeness: They think before they act.”īeing impulsive is commonplace in a classroom. They stick to a task, follow through to completion, have a can-do attitude and remain focused.
They are able to draw on a repertoire of alternative strategies for problem solving. They are able to analyse a problem, to develop a system, structure, or strategy to attack a problem. But persistent learners don’t throw in the towel.
Persisting is a problem for children because they can quickly abandon their efforts when things don’t go well the first time. “Efficacious people stick to a task until it is completed. How children think matters and without particular dispositions or habits of mind, learning can be lumpy and bumpy.Īccording to Costa and Kallick (2000), there are 16 characteristics of habits of mind that cut across every subject discipline: 1.
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