they would describe their metacognitive strategies and their findings of
power and efficacy as learners using the Habits of Mind. These assess-
ment tools are elaborated on in Part III, Chapter 11.
Diagnosing and Assessing Students’ Journey
Toward Internalization of the Habits of Mind
The ultimate goal of instruction in the Habits of Mind is students’
using them spontaneously—applying them without direction or prompt-
ing from the teacher. Taking a reflective stance in the midst of active prob-
lem solving, however, is often difficult. For that reason, each of the Habits
of Mind is situational and transitory. There is no such thing as perfect
realization and mastery of any of them. Few people ever fullyreach the
stage of cognitive complexity. Mastery is a utopian state toward which we
constantly aspire. Furthermore, although all human beings have the
capacity and potential to be self-reflective and conscious of their own
habits and behaviors, not everyone seems to use that capacity and poten-
tial equally.
Purpose. The purpose of this lesson design is to determine where stu-
dents are in their journey of growth toward internalization of the Habits
of Mind.
Strategy.The teacher provides a cognitively demanding task as an
opportunity for students to display their understanding of, application of,
valuing of, and skillfulness with the Habits of Mind. The intent is to have
students demonstrate that they are alert to new and diverse situations
where the Habits of Mind might be applied, and that the Habits of Mind
are valued and have become a purposeful part of their life.
Assessment.The design of the lessons in this category is similar to
those in the category “Building Intuitive Awareness.” Now, however,
instead of modeling, labeling, and describing the Habits of Mind, the
teacher observes to see if the students are modeling, labeling, and apply-
ing the habits. Are the students persisting, thinking interdependently, self-
correcting, using clear and precise language, clarifying each other’s
language, and exemplifying other habits as well?
92 Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind