In recent years, learning and the attributes of successful learners have re-emerged as key
issues in educational research. Although a capacity to learn has been identified as an
individualís key to future success, 21st century learners represent particular challenges to
teachers and schools who strive to remain relevant to new kinds of learners in a
constantly changing world. In this context, Habits of Mind has emerged as a framework
of attributes that, proponents (Marzano, 1992; Costa & Kallick, 2000) claim, comprise
the myriad of intelligent thinking behaviours characteristic of peak performers, and are
the indicators for academic, vocational and relational success. The issue for this paper is
that, despite its importance for understanding how successful learners learn, HOM are
presented as an a-theoretical body of knowledge, underpinned by little more than
ëintuitive common-senseí and expertsí testimonials. In this paper, the theoretical
underpinnings for HOM are explored and linked with existing learning theories.