of their progress. They can use this information to report to their parents
in a conference or as an addendum to their report card. Teachers can eas-
ily create a simple survey that asks students to rate their development in
use of all the Habits of Mind on a continuum from “not using yet but I’m
learning” to “I usually try to behave this way.” The inventory in Appen-
dix D contains sample statements from a survey created by Steve Huffman
at Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Another strategy is to ask students to complete a “self-report” for next
year’s teacher. Many teachers ask their students to write a letter to or cre-
ate a CD for the teacher they’ll have the following year. In Eau Claire,
Wisconsin, students send to next year’s teacher a description of them-
selves. Here is an excerpt from one student’s work:
I am a hands-on, auditory, and visual learner. But the two
methods of learning I prefer to use the most are auditory and
visual. When I do math, I like to have the problem in front of me
so I can keep looking it over as many times as I want until I get
the answer.... In social studies, I am an auditory learner....
When I work in class I like to work with a partner... because
you get a chance to have two different opinions so you become
flexible in your thinking....
When I work in a group, my strength is contributing a lot
because I am not shy. That’s why I think the habit of mind that I
use the most is risk taking. My weakness when I work in groups
is that I give in quickly in order to move on. The habit of mind
that I would like to concentrate working on the most is metacog-
nition because it lets you think about how you do things.Celebrating Progress
Don’t forget the importance of celebrating students’ achievements, too.
Most schools have trophy cases for sports, and they offer a variety of hon-
ors and awards for high grades. Why not offer awards for students who
exhibit the Habits of Mind? Many schools offer certificates, buttons, rib-
bons, and even bumper stickers for outstanding use of the Habits of Mind.
There are myriad possibilities for celebrating students’ achievement and
Reporting Growth in Habits of Mind 267