Thinking skills

Why are thinking skills important? “Individuals cannot ‘store’ sufficient knowledge in their memories for future use. Information is expanding at such a rate that individuals require transferable skills to enable them to address different problems in different contexts at different times throughout their lives. The complexity of modern jobs requires people who can comprehend, judge and participate in generating new knowledge and processes.” Robert Fisher (2005)

The same applies to A-levels… A-levels require that students apply their knowledge in different contexts at different times. In order to be successful on your programme you will need skills that enable you to think about issues in a variety of different ways.

Outcome: By the end of today’s session we expect you to be able to identify each of De Bono’s six thinking skill areas.

Introduction The de Bono Hats system is a tool for thinking that is used to facilitate group discussion and individual thinking. The premise of the method is that the brain thinks in a number of distinct ways. De Bono identifies six thinking states and assigns each a colour.

The White Hat calls for information known or needed. "The facts, just the facts."

The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition. When using this hat you can express emotions and feelings and share fears, likes, dislikes, loves, and hates.

The Black Hat is judgment - the devil's advocate or why something may not work. Spot the difficulties and dangers; where things might go wrong. Probably the most powerful and useful of the Hats but a problem if overused (with great power comes great responsibility!).

The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism. Under this hat you explore the positives and probe for value and benefit.

The Green Hat focuses on creativity; the possibilities, alternatives, and new ideas. It's an opportunity to express new concepts and new perceptions.

The Blue Hat is used to manage the thinking process. It's the control mechanism that ensures the Six Thinking Hats guidelines are observed.

Group work Topic: You are assigned a career as soon as you are born.

Summary What are the facts? What is your gut reaction or statements of emotional feeling What are the bad points? What are the good points? What new ideas do you have about this?

Where can these thinking skills be used? These ways of thinking can and should be used in all aspects of your A-level study: – Reading and note-taking. – Preparing a presentation. – In group discussion. – When listening to your class mates and teacher.