The document discusses the Six Thinking Hats method developed by Dr. Edward de Bono, which aids critical thinking and effective problem-solving in group settings. It describes the functions of each hat, such as generating ideas, evaluating benefits and drawbacks, and facilitating discussions among participants. The method was implemented in an educational setting to enhance student engagement and collaboration while addressing feelings of discomfort within their school environment.

1. 1 ΠΕΙΡΑΜΑΤΙΚΟ ΛΥΚΕΙΟ ΛΑΡΙΣΑΣ
1ST EXPERIMENTAL LYCEUM OF LARISA
Βασιλική Παπαϊωάννου (Vasiliki Papaioannou)
Εκπαιδευτικός Αγγλικής Γλώσσας κλ. ΠΕ06 (EFL tutor)

2. The Six Hats thinking can be used during critical thinking sessions to
achieve specific targets such as solving problems, discussing an
argument, planning in-depth, and analysing the creative thinking
process.
Dr. Edward de Bono, a Maltese physician, psychologist, and
philosopher, wrote a book called “Six Thinking Hats” in 1985. As
stated on the book’s cover, the simple technique is based on the
brain’s various modes of thinking and aims to empower everyone to
“run better meetings, make faster decisions.”

4. What are the 6 Thinking Hats for?
They help people:
Consider issues, problems, decisions, and
opportunities systematically
Create dynamic, results oriented meetings that
make people want to participate
Spot opportunities where others see only
problems

5. View problems from new and unusual angles
Make thorough evaluations
See all sides of a situation
Achieve significant and meaningful results in less time
Use Parallel Thinking as a group or team to generate more,
better ideas and solutions
Go beyond the obvious to discover effective alternate solutions
Reduce conflict among team members or meeting participants

6. Blue hat:It is the facilitator hat, and it is used to
manage the discussion.

7. In this particular example - discussion topic, the teacher
was wearing the blue hat....

8. White Hat: Present the facts of the problem.
The White Hat calls for information known or needed. “The
facts, just the facts.”

9. Therefore, students took into
accounts all facts related to the
school premises: school yard,
toilet, garden, lab, indoor
facilities, classrooms...

11. Green Hat: Generate ideas on how the problem can be solved.
The Green Hat focuses on creativity; the possibilities,
alternatives, and new ideas. It’s an opportunity to express
new concepts and new perceptions.

12. Yellow Hat: Evaluate the ideas by listing their benefits.
The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism.
Under this hat you explore the positives and probe for
value and benefit.

13. Black Hat: Evaluate the ideas by listing their drawbacks.
Risks, difficulties, Problems – The risk management Hat, probably
the most powerful Hat; a problem however if overused; spot
difficulties where things might go wrong, why something may not
work, inherently an action hat with the intent to point out issues of
risk with intent to overcome them.

14. The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition. When using this
hat you can express emotions and feelings and share fears, likes,
dislikes, loves, and hates.

15. The topic students of 2nd grade decided to approach as part of a
hands on experience was:
General feelings of discomfort around/within the (recently
founded - renamed) Experimental Lyceum of Larissa (former 1st
senior high school) for both students and educators
honesty
solutions
full participation without judgement
There was a general feeling of awkwardness in the beginning of the
activity due the nature of the discussions to be followed because
of the sensitivity of the subject....
Students and teacher mutually agreed that they wanted:

16. Brainstorming helped to acknowledge the problem and set the
framework and timeline for discussions and classwork
Students were divided into 6 groups of 3 people each
Each group was allocated a hat
Students got handouts with information about the hats
Students watched videos related to the 6 Thinking hats in order to
be able to understand the theory

17. Students started working in
groups...

26. What were the benefits of using the six thinking hats in
relation to the particular topic?
They stimulated outside-the-box thinking.
They taught students to think more holistically
They ensured that all members of the classroom
participated in discussions
They enhanced group decision-making abilities
They helped the quality of decision making
They helped people work together with a common
perspective in mind.
They reduced negative conflict and encouraged
cooperation

28. Students defined the problem and decided about
the goals and outcomes
Students improved their listening and
communication skills
Students took responsibility for their own welfare in
the school and recommended ideas to improve
their well being in the school premises/environment
Students let out their emotions
Students brought ideas to the table about what
needs to be resolved
Everyone felt included in the discussion

29. Students recommended several ideas and
promised to check out what a Flash mob is
and maybe implement it during the school
year!
Students felt nice that all ideas were heard
and written down
They also listened carefully to what the
teacher had to add in the discussion as a
representative of all teachers...
They realised that there is always another
point of view...

30. A huge THANKS to B3 students
for their commitment to the
discussions in relation to a topic
they chose themselves and they
were eager to explore.
1ο ΠΕΙΡΑΜΑΤΙΚΟ ΛΥΚΕΙΟ ΛΑΡΙΣΑΣ 2022-23

31. https://www.debonogroup.com/services/core-programs/six-
thinking-hats/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/six-thinking-hats-decision-making-
technique-bhupesh-kumar-pandey/?trk=read_related_article-
card_title
https://safetyculture.com/topics/six-thinking-hats/
https://www.tsw.co.uk/blog/leadership-and-management/six-
thinking-hats/