The Six Thinking Hats

Duration : 45 mins                                                 

The Blue Hat.

Aim :     To help pupils  focus during the thinking process.

For the explanation of the Six Thinking Hats,  we will use the same basic example so that we can identify the use of each hat.

Situation:    A friend of yours asked you to go on a holiday with his/her family.

Explanation of the Blue Hat:

Let's do some Yellow Hat thinking!

The Blue Hat helps us to stay focused during a thinking session.  The Blue Hat has the following functions:

• It facilitates the thinking session.  The Blue Hat has the function to keep everyone on track.  If an individual mentions a point that does not fall under the Hat being practiced, the Blue Hat redirects the thinking. 

            e.g. During Yellow Hat Thinking.  

            "I don't think that this is a good idea."

    The Blue Hat redirects the session by saying:  "this is good Red Hat Thinking, however at the 

    moment we are practicing Yellow. Try and come up with a Yellow Hat point."

• It sets the  objectives.  What is the focus for this meeting.

• It sets the  agenda.         What sequence are we using?

• It is the time keeper.          It's time up for Green Hat thinking.  Are there any other                         ideas.   We can have two more minutes.

Activity:

A friend of yours asked you to go on a holiday with his/her family.  Use the White Hat to gather all the information possible.

Procedure.

1.  Group pupils in small groups of 4.  Chose a group secretary and a spokesperson for every group.

2.  Give out the situation.

3.  Allow a few minutes for the pupils to generate responses. 

4.  Stop students from generating responses.  (after approx. 5-7 minutes). 

5.  Pupils now share the outcome of their groups.

N.B. As this is the first time for the pupils, the teacher could do this as a class activity on the board.  It will be much easier for the pupils to grasp the concept.  They will then be able to do it on their own.

Processing:

Teacher asks the pupils the following questions to stimulate metacognitive talk. 

1.  How did you feel when using the Blue Hat?

2.  Where and when would you use the Blue Hat?

Practice item 2.  Let's organise a party! (10 minutes)

Pupils work in small groups.

Processing:

Pupils now share the outcome of their thoughts 

Materials needed:

Loose sheets of paper (Unless they have the Thinking Diary already in hand)

Flipchart paper and markers if there is no board in the room being used for the sessions.

Portable reverse timer

Hat