Tom Downey
Educator Portfolio
Habits and Mindsets
Internalizing the study habits, character traits, and values that lead to personal growth
Introduction
A classroom teacher is responsible for more than academic growth. Whether intentional or not, teachers become a role model for students in terms of their organization, study habits, character traits, and values. If educators are intentional about the ways in which they present themselves and their mindsets, it can have a profound impact on their students' lives.
As a teacher that cares greatly about the achievement gap and education inequity, teaching habits and mindsets is especially important to me. Recent studies have shown that a student's future success depends tremendously on the character traits and mindsets of the student as they tackle life's challenges. If we want to close the achievement gap, it is especially important to focus on teaching all students the habits and mindsets that will accelerate them towards future success. Through explicit instruction and reinforcement of habits and mindsets, my students are equipped with the intelligent behaviors they need to solve complex problems.
Have a look at the methods I use to prioritize the instruction of Habits and Mindsets in my classroom :
Persistence
A person's ability to stick with a difficult task
Listening with Understanding and Empathy
A person's ability to understand how other's feel
Conclusion
As stated in the introduction, it is important now more than ever to maintain an instructional focus on the habits and mindsets that will help students solve complex societal problems. As we prepare the upcoming leaders and laborers of the world, we must provide instruction on these habits and mindsets so that we may continue to promote success for future generations. Providing instruction on the habits and mindsets will equip students with the tools they need to become excellent problem solvers as they grow into adulthood.
