Discovering and Exploring Habits of Mind [Paperback]

Arthur L. Costa (Editor), Bena Kallick (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this book, noted educators Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick define and describe 16 types of intelligent behavior that they call "habits of mind." These habits of mind can aid both students and adults in school and in everyday life as they encounter problems, dilemmas, and enigmas, the resolutions of which are not immediately apparent.

The habits are rooted in a modern view of intelligence that casts off traditional abilities-centered theories. Costa and Kallick maintain that a critical attribute of intelligence is not only having information but also knowing how to act on it. The habits of mind that contribute to this intelligence are:

- Persisting
- Managing impulsivity
- Listening with understanding and empathy
- Thinking flexibly
- Thinking about thinking (metacognition)
- Striving for accuracy
- Questioning and posing problems
- Applying past knowledge to new situations
- Thinking and communicating with clarity and precision
- Gathering data through all senses
- Creating, imagining, innovating
- Responding with wonderment and awe
- Taking responsible risks
- Finding humor
- Thinking interdependently
- Remaining open to continuous learning

"Discovering and Exploring Habits of Mind" is the first of a four-book series. Subsequent volumes will explore instructional strategies for teaching the habits at school and at home; assessment of the habits; and descriptions from schools, teachers, and administrators about how they have incorporated the habits of mind into their work.

Other contributors to Book 1 are Shari Tishman and Marian Leibowitz. David Perkins's Series Foreword introduces the four-book series, Habits of Mind: A Developmental Series.

Product Details

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Deve (February 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871203685
• ISBN-13: 978-0871203687
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 1.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #81,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars read, used, successful, December 30, 2005

By	Micin "Mr. M" (Winnetka, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discovering and Exploring Habits of Mind (Paperback)

As a teacher in an affluent school that demands competent and creative teachers, I am always looking for new ways to engage my students and help them to develop critical thinking skills and a love for education. Having read the four book series and having instituted the ideas into practice, I can say it has made me a better teacher and has enlivened my classroom. Although it is true that the book lacks any scientific data to back its assertions, so it is with most books on education. Education is a difficult concept to scientifically quantify, and first one would have to answer the question...What is education? That notwithstanding, this book helps in all areas of teaching from the teaching of intelligent, curious students to less inspired and motivated student to those who have been mainstreamed into the classroom. It helps develop a "whole" classroom that benefits each and every child.

10 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A Nonresearched Gimmick!, August 31, 2005

By	Frustrated Teacher "Doctoral Student" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discovering and Exploring Habits of Mind (Paperback)

It is evident that Mr. Costa has read the many books out there that tell you that you can become a recognized "authority" in your field by inventing a new jargon and writing a book. Because that is just what Mr. Costa does! There is no scientific or physiological data, no scientifically based reasearch studies. In this age of brain research, there is no excuse for a book that advocates improving children's attention span by having them make posters! This book is a total waste of time and money!!!!