Programme

This programme is flexible. It can be bent, twisted and stretched to fit your needs. A suggested framework 
for the day goes like this:

Sequence

Explanation

1
Introductions

Who are you? Who am I?
Why we are here and what we would like to learn at this day-long course, An Introduction to de Bono Thinking for Secondary Teachers.

2
On the basis of your expectations, what could happen today
  1. Who is Dr Edward de Bono?
  2. The CoRT Programme and the Six Hats Thinking Framework; the two parts of de Bono Thinking (DBT);
  3. The New Zealand Curriculum Framework, "critical thinking", "analytical thinking" and "creative thinking";
  4. The potential for DBT (CoRT and Six Hats Thinking) in the Essential Learning Areas, specially;
    - English
    - Social Studies
    - Technology
    - Health
  5. Video:
     Dr de Bono explains why the direct teaching of thinking skills is a vital part of education and a valuable teaching style.
    The remainder of the morning is devoted to an introduction to the 60- lesson CoRT programme.
  6. The majority of the afternoon programme is dedicated to  providing a fuller understanding of the process, Six Hats Thinking.
  7. The latter part of the day considers:
    - setting up a Lead Team in your school;
    - making contact with Peter de Bono;
    edwdebono@email.msn.com
    making contact with Graeme Allan;
    gdallan@xtra.co.nz
  8. Professional reading;
    Videotapes;
    CDs;
    Course evaluation.

3
Some de Bono Concepts for Schools

Handout:

Dr de Bono is emphatic about the need for teaching "thinking" formally and by direct attention.
What are his principles?
How can these principles become meaningful for you?
How could you become motivated to make these principles meaningful in your school?
How could you transfer this commitment to the principal of your school and the children in your class?

4
An Initial Focus

Handout:

As an introduction, these brief papers provide information to help you focus;

  1. Edward de Bono biography;
  2. The Intelligence Trap
  3. New Thinking about Thinking
  4. Key concepts
  5. Operacy and Effectiveness
  6. CoRT structure.

5
The CoRT Thinking Tools

Handout:

What is the structure of the 60 lesson CoRT (Cognitive Research Trust) Programme?
An intimate encounter designed to whet your appetite.

6
CoRT 1:
Lessons 1-10

Handout:

A reconnaissance.
What are the bits?
How should they be taught?
In what Essential Learning Areas can they be used?
How flexible are they?

Discussion.

7
CoRT Junior Edition

Handout:

At previous courses, primary teachers have asked for guidance about modification of the "standard" course.

The "Junior Edition" is a possibility.
There are others suggested by school-based teams…

Discussion: Other possibilities?

8
The posters for CoRT 1

Handout:

Their place in the scheme of things.

9
CoRT 1:
Sample of teacher notes by Edward de Bono

Handout:

This freebie gives you a taste of the possibilities offered by CoRT 1. The key concept to be gleaned from these pages is formality.

10
Other teacher notes, this time by Graeme Allan!

Handout:

How the Burnside Lead Team was launched;
Quality information was provided, people saw meaning in my proposal, they became motivated and committed…

 

11
Applications:
Samples of CoRT in use.

Handout:

  1. A Social Science (Social Studies) Planner based on the Sub-theme, Having a Say.
  2. Effective Team/Group Work;
  3. A Matter of Safety;
  4. Anytown Evaluation
  5. Y10 Health Course Evaluation (cover sheet).
  6. The Winter Sea Ice Camp;
    Video review.

Discussion:
Can you relate some or any of these samples to your school?

12
The role of DBT in your school’s Professional Management System

Handout:

Regardless of setting, primary or secondary school, DBT has a major role in assisting teachers to meet the official criteria.

13
Carl Rogers at work.
The Ourtown Town Planning Simulation Game based exclusively on DBT.

The Anytown Game:
The next step.

Handout:

The teaching of DBT can retain the CoRT principles yet apply Dr de Bono’s general thinking principles. Those used in this game come from:

Edward de Bono’s Mind Pack;

Edward de Bono’s Super Mind Pack.

14
The International Network:
James Anderson in Melbourne shows his perceptions.

Handout:

A Guide to Teaching Enrichment for Year 7.
Thank you, James!

At about this time, we should collide with a well-deserved lunch!

15
The Six Hats Thinking Framework.

Video:

Dr de Bono introduces the Six Hats Thinking Framework.

Handout:

Transcript of the Six Hats Thinking videotape,
Action Thinking: Do It!

16
Defining the Hats

Handout:

  1. What is the concept of Six Hats Thinking?
    (Defining the Hats)
  2. What do the "hats" represent?
    (The concept of Parallel Thinking)

17
The Six Hats Posters

Handout:

The posters:

  1. Printed on coloured A3 card;
  2. Laminated;
  3. Displayed in every room!

18
Dr de Bono sums up Six Hats Thinking.

Handout:

This extract was "borrowed" from the SHT CD available from Peter de Bono.

19
Using SHT to its potential.

Practical Session:

A SHT practical: Learn by Doing!

20
Drawing the threads together:

  1. How could this information be applied in your school?
  2. In what Essential Learning Areas could DBT apply?
  3. Set up first a small and committed Lead Team?
  4. Set up a school DBT Team;
    Communicate by email;
  5. Make contact with Peter de Bono;
    - CoRT CD
    - SHT CD
    - videotapes
    - books;
  6. Maintain contact with me at my email address.
    Send me your queries;
    Send me your proposals (MS Word)
  7. Follow-up 2002? CoRT 2, 3 and 4
    Follow-up 2003? CoRT 5 and 6…

Good luck and thank you for the opportunity to introduce
Dr de Bono’s programmes to you.

 

Action!

 

 

Graeme Allan
Master Trainer of de Bono Thinking for Schools
Head of Department: Social Sciences: Tikanga-a-iwi
Burnside High School
Greers Road
Christchurch 8005.

2 Yardley Street
Russley
Christchurch 8004
Telephone: 342 5318
Email: gdallan@xtra.co.nz