Group Critique of De Bono's Six Thinking Hats
PlusBy wearing a certain hat that is different from one that you normally wear, you may stumble across new ideas (“green hat”)that you normally wouldn’t have discussed.
Provides learners with a scaffold for their thinking The hats are a simple and practical way of carrying out diverse way of thinking in different domains. When thinking with a particular hat on, it keeps discussion on task, rather than mixing of the hats which limits the effectiveness and focus of the discussion. Some people may think towards a certain coloured hat. However the hat being discussed at the time allows people to step out of their normal roles. creates more in-depth focused discussion Generates an understanding that there can be many perspectives on an issue. collaborative tool Some people may be 'stronger’ on certain hats therefore through the use of all six it allows for optimum outcomes . Improves decision making |
MinusIn group contexts individuals can feel constrained to adopt a certain perspective which can limit the ways and extent of which an issue is discussed.
Children need to first have understanding of the concepts of the thinking hats to use them appropriately, to their full potential. There is a need to use a combination of hats to get a well-rounded conclusion e.g. wouldn’t use black on its own, need yellow thinking also to balance the decision making. Depending on the depth or aspect that each hat is discussed the process could become time consuming. |
InterestingThere is no particular set way in how the hats should be used e.g. the order of use.
The hats can be used outside the classroom in businesses and conferences. The hats are categories of thinking and not of the people themselves. De Bono’s hat encourages individuals to work together rather than arguing a point. We have to have a direction first then choose a route – this is what we want know which thinking tool will best help aide us to do this. All the hats can be used in all learning areas. |