Strategies for using de Bono's Hats
De Bono’s six hats method demonstrates how thinking can be divided into six different forms. Each form is represented by a different coloured hat. Below lies a brief description of possible strategies thinkers of all ages can utilise with de Bono’s hat method.
The four overarching strategies that de Bono suggests teachers to use with their students in the classroom:
Putting the hat on
Teachers can use this strategy two different ways. Firstly a class can be directed to use one particular hat which depicts the form of thinking to use. Secondly students can be split up into different thinking groups.
Removing the hat
When students are demonstrating a narrow thinking perspective, teachers will direct individuals and/or groups to remove that specific hat to avoid this implication.
Switching the hat
Switching hats can only be performed when students are aware of all six hats. This strategy enables students to simply switch their style of thinking to form clear conclusions through multiples ways of thinking.
Signal your thinking
This is a very explicit strategy for students as they are naming the strategy they are using.
(De Bono, 1992, pp. 12-13)
The four overarching strategies that de Bono suggests teachers to use with their students in the classroom:
Putting the hat on
Teachers can use this strategy two different ways. Firstly a class can be directed to use one particular hat which depicts the form of thinking to use. Secondly students can be split up into different thinking groups.
Removing the hat
When students are demonstrating a narrow thinking perspective, teachers will direct individuals and/or groups to remove that specific hat to avoid this implication.
Switching the hat
Switching hats can only be performed when students are aware of all six hats. This strategy enables students to simply switch their style of thinking to form clear conclusions through multiples ways of thinking.
Signal your thinking
This is a very explicit strategy for students as they are naming the strategy they are using.
(De Bono, 1992, pp. 12-13)