EDWARD DE BONO'S MESSAGE
7th September 1997

DESIGN CONFERENCES & CoRT

The Design Conference on Northern Ireland is now moving into its second phase. Please note that the outer ring will continue in full operation and suggestions may be made at any time to this outer ring. Contributors to the outer ring will continue to be invited to the middle ring. Although the ideas are currently indicated only by a code number, if there is a decision to publish the ideas then contributors will have the option of having their name attached to each idea. For those who enjoy the challenge of 'new thinking' this is an excellent idea.

I have in mind to host some further Design Conferences in the future.

I have just heard that New Zealand will be putting CoRT Thinking on the national curriculum. The Italian Government has just concluded its official research study on CoRT showing significant improvements.

What is most important about CoRT is that it teaches direct 'operacy' skills. Education is not just about doing well in schools subjects. Education is about preparing a youngster to contribute to himself or herself and to society. Far too many educators think that a general education in academic subjects equips a youngster for the real world. A direct approach to thinking, using CoRT, is faster and more effective way of achieving operacy. Matters like consequences, priorities, other people's views, alternatives, objectives are part of everyday life but not easily part of academic education which is more concerned with analysis, judgement and argument. Knowing 'what is' has a value but so also does designing 'what can be'.

Teachers like Jim O'Sullivan in Ireland are making progress in training other teachers in the CoRT system and the Six Hats (parallel thinking). The UK is rather far behind other countries in these matters. Reflective thinking in science (as in the CASE approach) does have a high value but does not offer the same skills of general operacy.

I shall return to these matters from time to time in the future and also offer family packs so that parents can make a start at home. A special initiative on CoRT is about to be started in the Creative Team later this week.

Edward de Bono
6th September 1997