Parallel thinking

Parallel thinking: Cooperate. Coordinate. Lay out different—maybe differing—ideas. Get full view of the problem. Try the “six hats” approach. Parallel thinking Traditional approach: Take sides. Argue. Prove other side wrong. De Bono, Six Thinking Hats

Example: Students are talking while others are talking or teaching. • Students are talking when the teacher is talking. • Noise distracts others. • Students don't know what to do after the teacher has given directions. • Many students get off task. Example from http://www.middleweb.com/INCASErussia.html Six hats White hat: Information Think of white paper, which carries information. What information do we have? What are we missing? What information would we like to have? How do we get it?

Six hats Red hat: Feelings Think of fire, which is warm. What is your hunch? Do you think it will work? How do you feel about it? • Example: Students are talking while others are talking or teaching. • The teacher feels offended. • Students are frustrated because they can't hear directions. • Those talking enjoy joking around and being heard.

Six hats Black hat: Negative aspects Think of a judge’s robe. What are the constraints? What are the drawbacks? What mistakes can be made? What can possibly go wrong? • Example: Students are talking while others are talking or teaching. • Time is wasted. • Learning is compromised. • Chaos occurs in the classroom.

Six hats Yellow hat: Positive aspects Think of sunshine. What are the benefits? Why is this a good idea? How can we get this to work? • Example: Students are talking while others are talking or teaching. • Everyone gets to say what is on their mind. • Students have fun. • Students remember what they want to say because they don’t wait to speak. • All students, not just the "smart" students, get to speak

Six hats Green hat: Creativity Think of new growth. What are some new ideas? Is there another explanation? Could we do this differently? • Example: Students are talking while others are talking or teaching. • The teacher will be more aware of the amount of time that she talks. • The teacher will try to include many different students, not just the "smart" kids. • Students will resist the need to say everything that comes into their mind. • Students will ask themselves if their thoughts are "on topic“. • Students will ask whether their comment will interfere with other's learning. • The results of the six hats will be posted so that progress can be assessed.

Six hats Blue hat: Overview Think of sky, which is high above. What have we learned? Have we considered all hats? What have we decided? • Example: Students are talking while others are talking or teaching. • The teacher learned to limit the time she uses talking as teaching. • The teacher learned to involve all students in discussion. • The teacher learned to allow students time to reflect on what they will say. • Students learned that speaking out affects others. • Students learned to filter their thoughts. • The teacher and students need to revisit this topic and check how we are doing

Six hats suggestions • Ensure all people try all hats. • Work to include green and yellow hats • Switch hats at will. • Make it a game. Exercise: Story County recently passed an ordinance requiring anyone buying a keg to register with ID. The ordinance aims to control underage drinking.

Parallel thinking