Thing #1: Habit of Discovery

The habit of discovery is realizing that everyday something can and will be discovered. The 7 & 1/2 Habits of lifelong learners is just the recognition that we should all be aware of whether we like it or not we are all lifelong learners.  However, in order to truly harness the capabilities of learning and the application of our compounded knowledge, we must be aware and actively seek out knowledge in the daily challenges of our lives.  The habits are simple: Knowledge Goals, Responsibility for Learning, Take the Challenge, Have Confidence, Assemble Tools to Help, Use Technology, Teach Others, and Remember to Play.

As far as goals are concerned I feel that I set goals successfully, long and short term. I have always found that when you set a goal it actually helps you achieve what you desire because the end result is on your mind and you can work backwards to achieve success.

However with out the next habit, accepting responsibility for your own learning, the goals that are set may never be reached. You must be an active participant not a bystander in the pursuit of knowledge. Personally, I can struggle with this habit as sometimes learning comes easy and therefore it is easier to become lackadaisical in pushing myself for more.


The next habit is detrimental to a person's success in being a lifelong learner.  If a person views every challenge as a crisis then learning will feel like a whirlwind instead of a challenge.  This is something I can handle. If I do not know the right answer most of the time I do not like to stop until I figure it out.  Not that I always have to be right, I just want to know what is right.


Another habit that I feel I am capable to handle is having confidence as an effective learner.  Everyone starts somewhere and the basics we learn is the foundation of our future knowledge.  Every small challenge met and goal accomplished builds confidence.


A method for success is creating a learning toolbox, yet again another habit that I could work towards being better.  In the past I have just used the tools I needed and forgot about them when I was finished.  However, my new goal and challenge to myself is to keep track of the toolbox that I use for future needs.


One habit that I do utilize to my ability is the use of technology. I feel that the use of technology is essential in teaching our students.  Not only do they need to know how to use technology for their future, it is also a method of delivering content to the students in a way that they (1) understand and (2) find interesting.


The next to last habit is what my current goal pertains to, teach others what I know.  The purpose of my college experience is to gain knowledge in my content area and out. Also, I am learning to teach.  I need to learn to be effective in passing my knowledge to the generations that follow.


Lastly, being a lifelong learner has to be fun. The 1/2 in the 7 & 1/2 habits is to play. If something is not fun or interesting the likelihood that the habit continues is low.  Students love technology and everything not related to school because to them, until now, it has not been fun.  However, with the technology integrated into classrooms they have become more interactive and now use something that the students are familiar with, technology.  Technology for our future students has been used for play and entertainment.