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Habits of Mind for Self-directed Thinking
October 19, 2016
Finally I was able to see that if I had a contribution I wanted to make, I must do it, despite what others said. That I was OK the way I was. That it was all right to be strong.
-Wangari Maathai, 1940-2011, first African woman to receive the Nobel Prize, for her activism
-Wangari Maathai, 1940-2011, first African woman to receive the Nobel Prize, for her activism
"One of the challenges for teachers is to support the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Another is to engage children in the intellectual life by supporting the development of traits such as curiosity and the disposition to be thoughtful. Recently there has been much discussion of the role of intentionality in teaching, thinking before doing, and acting with purpose during the teaching process. Intentionality is not just a characteristic of successful teachers; it is also seen in successful scientists, mathematicians, artists, and any profession where careful, self-directed thinking is needed. So how do we help children become intentional?"
In the Exchange article, "Best Brains in Science Under Five: Helping Children Develop Intentionality," Judy Harris Helm suggests, "Projects emphasize child-initiation and integrated learning. Projects are multidisciplinary, thought-provoking, and emotionally involving."
"Although all approaches can be valuable, spending little time on the child-initiated side of the continuum is less likely to develop intentionality. When experiences never venture into teacher-directed inquiry or project work, students are less likely to develop the habits of mind for finding answers to their questions, or to experience a positive sense of accomplishment when they learn what they wanted to learn and share that learning with others."
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Comments (2)
Displaying All 2 CommentsPennsylvania, United States
I actually see the children as very intentional in the 'work' they choose to do, whether it is art, blocks, imaginative games--they have a plan and carry it forward. As an early childhood educator I do believe I am there to care and support the children in their learning. I provide materials for them to explore and engage them in conversation as they play. I would like to see more teachers required in early childhood classrooms. I don't know who came up with the ratio requirements--I think they were set for financial purposes only---children need and deserve more adult support. "Children need adults who value childhood" (Fred Rogers)----they are children --let's be intentional in our care.
OSU
Stillwater, OK, United States
This quote* had so many double negatives, I couldn't discern the meaning! I read it 3 times and still wan't sure what the message was.
*"Although all approaches can be valuable, spending little time on the child-initiated side of the continuum is less likely to develop intentionality. When experiences never venture into teacher-directed inquiry or project work, students are less likely to develop the habits of mind for finding answers to their questions, or to experience a positive sense of accomplishment when they learn what they wanted to learn and share that learning with others."
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