A research on the preparation and implementation of habits of mind curriculum design for elemantary school students

This study aims to design, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the Habits of Mind (HoM) Curriculum developed for fifth-grade elementary school students. In the study, a mixed-method evaluation design was used to benefit from the richness of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, aiming to conduct in-depth analyses. The needs assessment phase of the study was conducted as a case study; the development phase of the measurement tool was carried out within the framework of the exploratory sequential design; and the implementation and evaluation of the implementation process were handled within the scope of the embedded experimental design. In this process, data collection tools were developed, various activities aimed at developing habits of mind were designed and implemented and assessment tools were utilized to measure the effectiveness of these implementations and the extent to which students achieved the intended learning outcomes. In data collection process, the Habits of Mind Achievement Test (HoMAT), the Habits of Mind Self-Regulation Scale (HoMSRS), observation forms, peer evaluation form, researcher journals, student journals, and interview forms developed by the researcherwere used. The study group of the research consisted of 20 fifth grade students selected through a convenient sampling method. The research process was established through a pilot implementation conducted prior to the development of action plans. In this context, the implementation process was designed within the action research cycle. Following the pilot implementation, the first action plan was developed during the 1st Committee meeting, and the implementation of Modules 1, 2 and 3 was carried out. Once the implementation of the first three modules was completed, the 2nd Committee meeting was held, during which the second action plan was shaped, and the implementation of the following three modules commenced. After the completion of the next three modules, the 3rd Committee meeting was held, and the third action plan was prepared. Based on this plan, the implementation phase of the final three modules was conducted. The implementation process was carried out during the spring term of the 2023-2024 academic year, with one module conducted per week over a total of nine weeks. It was completed within 36 class hours under the framework of three separate action plans. The findings of the study revealed that the habits of mind training had a statistically significant and positive effect on students' self-regulation skills towards habits of mind and habits of mind achievement levels. Based on student feedback and the researcher's observations, it was observed that students generally achieved the learning outcomes at a high level and that the designed program had the intended impact on the students. Keywords: Developing habits of mind, thinking skills, elementary school students, curriculum development.