The Habits of Mind form a central element within learning at Mary MacKillop College. The Habits of Mind emerged through the Dimensions of Learning framework. This is an approach to teaching and learning that sees the development of thinking skills as a core function of education. Student demonstration of the Habits of Mind is celebrated each year at our Night of Excellence with prestigious awards being presented to those students who have consistently demonstrated productive Habits of Mind.
The original Habits of Mind included: Critical Thinking Habits, Creative Thinking Habits and Self-regulated Thinking Habits.
Critical Thinking
Be accurate and seek accuracy
Be clear and seek clarity
Maintain an open mind
Restrain impulsivity
Take a position when the situation warrants it
Respond appropriately to others’ feelings and level of knowledge
Creative Thinking
Persevere
Push the limits of your knowledge and abilities
Generate, trust and maintain your own standards of evaluation
Generate new ways of viewing situations that are outside the boundaries of standard conventions
Self-Regulated Thinking
Monitor your own thinking
Plan appropriately
Identify and use necessary resources
Respond appropriately to feedback
Evaluate the effectiveness of your actions