  The ASK-IT/Assessing-to-Learn (A2L) project is an attempt to bring a
strategic approach to learning, instruction, and communication. ASK-IT/A2L
seeks to integrate formative assessment and classroom response system use with
physics instruction at both the high school and college levels. In this guide,
we present a structure for discussing the new mindset students need in an
ASK-IT/A2L classroom, consisting of twelve "habits of mind" for students to
develop. To help teachers plan instruction, we present a model of five stages
of cognitive development that most students need to follow to develop desirable
knowledge and skills. We show how a typical lesson might be organized around
"items," the smallest unit of ASK-IT/A2L lesson planning: questions, problems,
or tasks given to students to work on individually or in groups. To help with
item creation, we present our model-based design paradigm and suggest tips for
avoiding common pitfalls and ways to match up cognitive goals with habits of
mind. Finally, we apply the habits of mind to the metacognition of teachers and
students.
