• Striving for Accuracy

     

    What is it? – Working toward perfection, elegance, craftsmanship

    Sounds like – “Making a list, checking it twice”, “Did I check my work?”, “Is this my best effort?”

    Looks like – taking aim, double checking, using all your resources

    Feels like – I’m proud of my finished product

    People who value accuracy, precision, and craftsmanship take time to check their products. They review the criteria they are to use to confirm that their finished product matches the criteria exactly. They continue to perfect their craft by working to attain the highest possible standards. They are learning to bring a laser like focus of energies to accomplish a task.
    These people take pride in their work, and they desire accuracy as they check over their work. Mario Cuomo, a great speechwriter and politician, once said that his speeches were never done; it was only a deadline that made him stop working on them. In every endeavor from athletics, art, science, medicine, music, engineering, etc. striving for accuracy is valued and admired.
    Some students turn in sloppy, incomplete, or uncorrected work. They are more anxious to get rid of the assignment than to check it over for accuracy and precision. They are willing to settle for minimum effort rather than invest their maximum. Helping students strive for accuracy at home, in extra-curricular activities and at school can help increase their chances for excellence in learning and in their own life successes.

    “Measure twice, cut once” anonymous

    “A man who has committed a mistake and doesn’t correct it is committing another mistake.” Confucius

    Information on Habits of Mind are taken from the book Habits of Mind by Costa and Kallick.