Why Use Thinking Hats?

In September 2012, we introduced the 8 “Thinking Maps” and the practical Thinking Tool: “Six Thinking Hats” during Tutor Time. The Thinking Hats provide a framework to help pupils think clearly and thoroughly in one direction at a time - white hat for facts, green hat for creativity, yellow hat for the benefits, black hat for the cautions/challenges, red hat for feelings, and the blue hat for process.

It's a simple mental metaphor. Hats are easy to put on and to take off. Each hat is a different colour which signals the thinking ingredient. In a group setting The Six Thinking Hats enable each pupils' unique point of view to be included and considered. Argument and endless discussion becomes a thing of the past. Thinking becomes more thorough (Six Thinking Hats: Strengthen Collaboration Skills, A Tool for Productive Critical and Creative Thinking, de Bono for Schools).