De Bono's Six Thinking Hats

Edward De Bono's Six Thinking Hats are a great tool to use to help expand students thinking about topics, concepts, situations and stories.

White Hat

Looks at the data, facts and information of the situation. The person wearing the white hat answers questions like, 'What to I know?' and 'What do I need to know?'

Red Hat

The person wearing the red hat looks at the feelings and emotions of each person in the situation. This person provides hunches and intuition without given reason.

Yellow Hat

Looks at the given situation from a positive point of view. The person wearing the yellow hat provide logical thinking.

Black Hat

The person wearing the black hat looks at the situation with a critical judgement. They provide the weaknesses, dangers, difficulties and risks that the situation presents.

Green Hat

Uses creative thinking and provides new ideas. The person wearing the green hat provides new path ways that the situation could take.

Blue Hat

Looks at the situation from an 'overview' point of view and controls the thinking that goes on during discussions. The person wearing the blue hat makes sure everyone gets a turn to share and organizes the plan of action. They answer the question 'What is needed in this given situation?'