Stephen J. Ronzano, Ed.D. Center of Excellence, Astana

 Why were large numbers of college and university freshman having to remediate in courses like math, science, and English?  During this time worked as a counselor in the CSU “Summer Bridge” program to help prepare entering freshman for university – CSU’s losing 40-50% of sophomores by the end of a year because they were not ready for the rigors of university.  The cost of remediation for the US in 2011 was 5.6 billion (Kirst, 2011).  The common link to this failure – lack of critical thinking strategies related to reading comprehension – I created a handbook to help students with reading comprehension strategies.

 At CART students received an integrated education in a collaborative environment, infused with technology and critical thinking methodology  At CART Habits of Mind (HOM) provided a foundation for critical thinking and analysis; project based assessment with rubrics are used to help students understand how they will be graded, along with a debriefing of project results, and a student self- evaluation  At CART Understanding by Design (UbD) principles provided a methodology for redesign of project based curriculum  The CART program was the centerpiece for a 7 year study – CART students are better prepared for the rigors of college and university

 Embracing the Linked Learning model, the Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART), a high school in Clovis, California, released data on January 11 from a seven- year study that clearly shows Linked Learning can lead to a higher percentage of college enrollments and higher academic success.Linked Learning  Linked Learning is a high school improvement approach that makes learning exciting and challenging. It connects strong academics with real–world experience in a wide range of fields, such as engineering, arts and media, and biomedical and health sciences—helping students gain an advantage in high school, college, and career.  Check CART out at: (Clovis, California)

An Engineering-Robotics project Law and Policy Lab-Creating Solutions to end poverty

 Listen as Arthur Costa, co-creator of Habits of Mind explains what they are.

 They are a set of dispositions that describe an efficacious (effective) thinker  They are attitudes, dispositions, and inclinations of expert problem solvers and the creative thinker  They are the internal compass that guides decision making in day-to-day life  They are skills and strategies people might use when confronted with problems to which the answers are not immediately known

 Simply stated, Habits of Mind are traits or characteristics that we learn at an early age, that when applied on a regular basis can help us to become more successful as we face life’s challenges.  Do you think Bill Gates uses and Steve Jobs used Habits of Mind on a regular basis?

 Persisting  Questioning and Posing Problems  Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations  We should practice these Habits daily!

 Persisting  Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision  Managing Impulsivity  Gathering Data Through all Senses  Listening with Understanding and Empathy  Creating, Imagining and Innovation  Thinking Flexibly  Responding with Wonderment and Awe  Thinking about Thinking; Metacognition  Taking Responsible Risks  Striving for Accuracy  Finding Humor  Questioning and Posing Problems  Thinking Interdependently  Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations  Remaining Open to Continuous Learning

 Like dew drops on a blossom!

 Traits we learn as children from our parents, in school, and in our culture  Traits we should reinforce daily in order to achieve success  Traits that compliment metacognitive strategies; HOM help us to become better critical thinkers and readers

 Metacognition - Defined by American psychologist John Flavell (1979), is an individual’s awareness of his or her cognitive processes and strategies…how does one problem-solve?  Costa defines it as “thinking about thinking”.

 [We should] Teach metacognitive skills that will enable students to determine how to best solve problems with comprehension while reading, and help them to develop critical thinking methodology in addition to learning facts (Ronzano, 2010).  A lack of metacogitive development is often manifested as learning and reading disabilities, accompanied by low self-esteem and a lack of academic confidence (Caposey & Heider, 2003).

 Reciprocal Teaching: The student and the teacher establish a dialogue and ask questions about a text being read using prediction, summarization, questioning, and clarification in order to better comprehend a text (Morgan & Richardson, 1997).  Think-Alouds: Articulations of thoughts students express orally as they read (Caposey & Heider, 2003).  Teacher Think-Alouds: When a teacher models by asking questions aloud about their reading which demonstrates effective comprehension strategies (Caposey & Heider, 2003).

 “Metacognition is important because learners who are not aware when comprehension is impeded and what they can do about it, will fail when there is an introduction of new strategies by the teacher” (p. 102).  The importance of metacognition: “Students without metacognitive approaches are essentially learners without direction or opportunity to review their progress, accomplishments, and future directions” (p. 103).

 Students who use some kind of metacognitive strategy or critical thinking strategy like Habits of Mind had more success.  The most successful students were Advanced Placement (AP) or Advancement Via Individual Determination students, or AVID students...they are taught more metacognitive strategies and apply therm to daily tasks the most.  They use strategies like summarizing techniques, which include note taking, outlining, listing, Cornell Notes, collaborative groups and discussions…these things make students more successful (Ronzano, 2010).

 How can you start using Habits of Mind and Metacognitive strategies today to improve student success?

 If you would like to contact me about any of the material or exchange teaching strategies, please me at: