The Institute for Habits of Mind
"Educating for a more thoughtful world."
By Dr. Jeff Dillon Leading in a VUCA World initially seems unattainable when education is so firmly built upon traditional pedagogical instructional models. As educational leaders, we take comfort in this model because it is predictable and safe. Why would a leader leave this place of self-comfort to embrace Read More …
By Craig Gastauer March 13, 2020 was the day we received the news that all districts in San Diego County were shutting down physical operations due to COVID-19. A week later, our teachers were directed to begin thinking in terms of what was essential for students to learn between Read More …
By Aixa Perez-Prado The need for all of us to shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surplus of interesting, innovative and informative free online resources for home learning. The following are just a few of the many remote learning opportunities available for parents and Read More …
By Dr. Nick Bruski “The Easter Bunny came! He took a responsible risk!” (heard from a 3rd grade student) The Institute for the Habits of Mind has a vision, “To create a more thoughtful, cooperative, compassionate generation of people who skillfully work to resolve social, environmental, economic and political Read More …
By Tyler Muth, Personalized Learning Facilitator It’s been two weeks since we closed school because of the COVID-19 virus and like most educators, we self-reflect. So naturally, I felt the need to step back and reflect on how I’m managing this as a professional. Upon reflection of this past Read More …
By Aixa Perez-Prado Although home learning may not have been your choice, it may provide an opportunity to encourage your children to nourish their personal interests and passions and help them thrive during this crisis. You, as the parent, can provide guidance, resources, and encouragement. However, you do not Read More …
By Thomas R. Feller, Jr., Ashley Smith and Lauren Bowers John Hattie wrote “the greatest effects on student learning occur when teachers become learners of their own teaching, and when students become their own teachers” (emphasis ours) (Hattie, 2012). Based on our combined 50+ years experience in multiple districts Read More …
By Lory Walker Peroff It had been a tough day. After the bell rang, I collapsed into my chair and reflected on the failures of the day. The list was long. I had failed to communicate effectively with a student resulting in his mother telling me he thought I Read More …
By James Anderson This collection of articles is intended for your school’s Growth Mindset leadership team. I outline key research you need to be familiar with, as well as many of the pitfalls you’ll want to avoid, as you adopt Growth Mindsets as part of your whole-school initiative. Importantly, Read More …
By James Anderson In this collection of articles, I outline some of the key ideas related to the Habits of Mind. This is not a manual for introducing the Habits of Mind to your school. Rather, it is an overview of the key understandings you’ll want to have before Read More …