When I started college, I was not aware of what the Habits or Mind were and how they were used in my life. Over time though, I’ve realized that the four Habits of Mind, purposeful communication, problem-solving, integrated perspective, and self regulated learning were all around. They shape how I talk with people, how I deal with stress, and how I keep myself moving forward. I’d say I’m climbing in a couple of these areas and staying still in others, but either way, I’m starting to notice where I’ve grown and where I still need more practice. Purposeful Communication: More Than Just Talking For me, purposeful communication is more than writing a paper or reading off a slideshow. It’s about connecting with people in a way that makes sense to them. Talking to people, especially in front of a group, has always been scary for me. I tend to overthink what I’m saying. I’m working on building confidence and remembering that communication isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making meaning. PSU defines purposeful communication as “the construction of meaning through interactions with texts and people and the creation of new messages” (Plymouth State University, 2022). It reminds me that communication looks different depending on who I’m talking to. I’m still figuring it out, but I can see myself getting better little by little. Problem-Solving: Learning Not to Give Up Problem solving is the habit where I’ve probably seen the biggest change. It means recognizing a challenge, trying out solutions, and adjusting when things don’t work. I used to give up too quickly if something felt too hard or if I failed the first time. Now I try to see setbacks as part of the process. There were times when assignments felt impossible, but I’ve learned to push through and find another way instead of giving up. PSU explains that problem solving “requires the ability to think creatively, adapt and extend one’s thinking, and persist despite failure” (Plymouth State University, 2022). That’s exactly what I’ve learned to not quit just because something doesn’t work right away, and I’m proud of how I’ve stuck things out more than I used to. Integrated Perspective: Seeing the Bigger Picture For integrated perspective, I’d say I’m already pretty strong. I try to see issues from more than just my own point of view, and I’ve found that listening to others actually changes how I think In the article Slow Interdisciplinarity, it explains that this mindset means having “respect for multiple ways of knowing” (Goode, 2019) This means recognizing that different perspectives each have value, and in class discussions it helps me approach conversations with more openness. Instead of just waiting to share my own ideas, I pay attention to what others are saying, and that often shifts the way I respond. It makes discussions feel more like a conversation rather than separate opinions being shared. Self-Regulated Learning: My Strength Finally, self regulated learning is where I feel most confident. I actually work better independently, because it lets me set my own pace and goals. Self regulated learning is all about being motivated, monitoring your progress, and taking responsibility for your growth. PSU points out that self-regulated learners “take intellectual risks, persist in the face of challenges, and learn from their mistakes” (Plymouth State University, 2022). I like keeping myself accountable. If something doesn’t work, I reflect and try again, and I’ve noticed that this approach helps me not only stay on track with assignments but also feel more in control of my learning. It makes me trust myself to figure things out, which is why I’d say this is the habit of mind that feels most natural to me. Conclusion Overall, each Habit of Mind shows up in different ways in my life. Purposeful communication is still a challenge, but I’m working on being less nervous and more intentional. Problem solving has taught me not to quit right away. Integrated perspective comes more naturally to me because I genuinely like hearing different viewpoints. And self regulated learning feels like my strength, since I do better when I can work independently and hold myself accountable. Together, these habits aren’t just skills for school, they’re becoming part of how I grow as a person and how I’ll keep moving forward in the future. Dzivina, A. (2023). Self Care 1_01. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/self-care-1-01-gm1618979502-531546818 Source: Aleutie. (2016). Practice public speaking. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/practice-public-speaking-gm528066716-92904637 Goode, J. (2019). Slow Interdisciplinarity. Hybrid Pedagogy. https://hybridpedagogy.org/slow-interdisciplinarity/
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