How Habits of Mind Are Turning Art Students into Science Enthusiasts

In a school where creativity and artistic expression take center stage, science often doesn’t top the list of favorite subjects. At Miami Arts Studio in Miami, Florida, teacher Lissette Rodriguez is flipping that narrative.

By leveraging the Habits of Mind, she’s cultivating a positive attitude toward science in her students, leading them to embrace the subject—not out of obligation, but as a natural result of a transformative learning process.

Lissette teaches biology, anatomy, and AP Biology to students who are primarily focused on the arts. Despite this, she has seen many of her students develop a genuine passion for science and even pursue science-related careers after graduation.

"I teach in an art school, so science is not the strong suit of my students," said Lissette. "But I try to make it the strongest one. By the end, they love science and go into a lot of science careers, just because of that positive mindset."

Encouraging Reflection with Habits of Mind

At the core of her teaching is Metacognition -- Thinking About Your Thinking, which encourages students to reflect on their thoughts, strategies, and feelings, as well as how their actions impact others.

Lissette integrates this habit into her classroom through regular reflection activities that help students develop self-awareness and improve their approach to learning.

"Every Friday, we reflect: How did we do this week? What worked? How can we make it better? How can we fix it?" said Lissette.

This consistent focus on reflection helps students become more intentional in their learning, creating an environment where they feel empowered to tackle challenges and celebrate progress.

Cultivating Curiosity, Confidence, and Persistence

"When you walk into this room, you need to be open," said Lissette. "We’re going to discuss everything, ask questions, and develop a discussion."

This open and exploratory approach aligns seamlessly with the Habits of Mind, fostering a classroom culture that prioritizes curiosity and adaptability. Students are encouraged to persist even when faced with difficulties, and they quickly realize that their struggles are part of the learning process.

"We didn’t get it the first time," said Lissette. "But how can we actually get it? What do we need to change?"

Persisting is also central to Lissette’s teaching philosophy. She encourages her students to analyze their challenges, reflect on their strategies, and try again. This process helps them develop the grit and resilience necessary to succeed—not just in science, but in life.

A Natural Love for Science

The result is transformative. Lissette’s students aren’t just learning science—they’re learning how to engage with the world in a way that opens doors to new possibilities. By reflecting on their thinking and embracing a positive attitude, Lissette’s students are discovering a love for science that feels natural and unforced.

She uses this classroom strategy as a tool:

Lissette uses a simple but powerful activity to foster positivity and collaboration in her classroom:

1. Set the Scene: Divide students into small groups of 4–5.
2. Weekly Reflection: At the end of each week, ask students to write a sticky note highlighting something positive a group member did to help them succeed.
3. Share the Notes: Encourage students to share their notes with their group. This reinforces teamwork and helps students feel recognized and valued.
4. Impact: "By the end, they love the class and come back for more classes, even hard ones," said Lissette. "They see that they can do it, and they are open to it."

Through her work, Lissette demonstrates how the Habits of Mind can extend beyond academic success to shape students’ perspectives and aspirations.

In her art-focused school, science has become not just a subject but a gateway to a new way of thinking and engaging with the world.

Develop Lifelong Skills At The Habits of Mind Conference

Educators like Lissette exemplify the power of small, intentional actions to spark major transformation. At the upcoming Habits of Mind Conference on April 7-8 in Greece, New York, educators and leaders will come together to explore similar stories of success and learn practical strategies to create lasting change.

With a focus on Radical Optimism, the conference offers an opportunity to gain actionable insights and connect with a global community of educators transforming the future, one habit at a time. Register now!