LEARNING TO LEARN

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Kelsy Dannenberg
January 15, 2015
NURS 210

Habits of Mind is about 16 different ways intelligent people handle a

predicament and how they find a solution. Each type of way is described in detail, giving
examples of what this type of individual does, as well as examples of what the opposite
individual would do. This article states that these habits are rarely preformed individually,
but rather in groups of behaviors that mingle together when faced with various situations.
Gathering Data Through All Senses is a habit I find myself closely related to. This
habit refers to intelligent people who collect their data through sensory pathways;
collecting data through taste, sound, touch, sight, and smell. The article states that people
who have an open and alert sensory pathway can absorb more information from the
environment than those individuals who are unaware to sensory stimuli.
I find myself related to this habit because I am a very hands on type of person. I
obtain information better when I physically participate in an activity. For example, if Im
learning a new game, I will catch on quicker if I participate and play, rather than having
someone read the rules to me. This helps me to learn the new information rather than
memorize it. Ive always been someone who learns better from experience, therefore I
find this style a perfect fit for my learning habits.
One of the habits I would like to work towards and improve on is Taking
Responsible Risks. This habit is about individuals who have an urge to go beyond their
limits. These are the people who live life on the edge and are attracted to situations where
the outcome is unpredictable. Although they may take many risks, they do so responsibly.
These risk takers draw on previous knowledge and know which risks are not worth

LEARNING TO LEARN
taking. There are two different types of risk takers. There are the venture seekers and
the adventure seekers. Those who seek venture will consider all options before taking
the risk. The article gives the example of a venture capitalist who is taking the risk of
investing in a new business. This person will look at the markets, see how well organized
certain ideas are, and research the economic projections. In the end, if they decide to take
the risk, they will know it was a well contemplated one. The adventure seeker is more
willing to make a spontaneous, in the moment decision. This decision is still made
responsibly, drawing on intuition and past knowledge. They will only take the risk if they
know it is not a life threatening one.
This is a habit I would like to adopt and improve on because I am not a risk taker.
I think too much about the consequence and in the end, Im full of regret. If I could
conjure up the courage to take more risks, I would never be left with what if thoughts or
feelings of regret. The saying You never know until you try, is true and I need to
improve on the trying aspect so I will know, instead of wonder.
Human beings don't learn through only one habit, and like the article said, it is a
cluster of habits that make up our learning styles. Working on one style may lead to the
improvement of another, and you may not even know it. New learning habits may form
while others may cease to exist. All of these learning habits are applicable to life; not just
in school. Blended all together, they make up the right stuff, as the article says, that
make human beings efficacious.

LEARNING TO LEARN

Hi Kelsy. I enjoyed reading your paper. I am a hands on person also- I learn

faster. For instance, regarding skills, the more you practice, the better you will be
in delivering the skill. In addition, as a nurse, you will become more confident.
Thank you.

Prof. Ferguson

3 pts for each area

2 pts for each area

1 pts for each area

Both Choices were presented

well

Both choices were presented

but one choice was not well
developed

Lacking development on both

choices

Choices were presented

through self reflection and
analysis

Self reflection and analysis

was inconsistent in both
choices

Self reflection and analysis

was not very clear

Paper was well organized

Length of article followed
guidelines of 1.5 -2 pages in
length

Paper was mainly organized,

but went off track one time.
Article was close to the page
length. (1, or 3)

Length of paper was not

within guidelines due to
disorganization of the writing
style

1 pt APA Formatting
followed
1 pt No Spelling
errors and sentence
structure is excellent
1 pt Rubric added to
paper
total 3 pts

APA Formatting
followed
Minimal Spelling
errors
Sentence structure
good
Student followed most
of the areas but made
1-2 errors. Rubric not
available as directed.

Students made more

than 3 errors in APA
format, spelling or
sentence structure.
Rubric not available as
directed.
Total points earned
would be 1 or 0 pt.

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