Edward de BonoEdward de Bono

CoRT Thinking Method

• The essence of the CoRT (Cognitive Research Trust) Thinking Method is to focus attention directly on different aspects of thinking and to crystallize these aspects into definite concepts and tools that can be used deliberately.

• It is designed to encourage students to broaden their thinking.

CoRT Thinking ToolsCAF: Consider All Factors

FIP: First Important Priorities

PMI: Plus, Minus, Interesting ideas)

APC: Alternatives, Possibilities, Choices

OPV: Other People's Views   

AGO: Aims, Goals, Objectives (purpose)

C&S: Consequence and Sequel  

CAF: Consider All Factors

Used to look as widely as possible at all the factors involved in a situation.

Steps involved:

List down all the factors.

Consider each factor.

What is the appropriate decision to be made?

Example:

Should NEC have a main campus?

FIP: First Important Priorities

Choosing from a number of different possibilities and alternatives (e.g. putting priorities in order).

Steps involved:

What are the important matters involved?

Which is the most important one to be considered?

Which one should be given priority?

Example:

Helping the flood victims in Johor.

PMI: Plus, Minus, Interesting Examining an idea for good, bad or interesting points, instead of immediate acceptance or rejection.

Steps involved:

List down all the plus points.

List down all the minus points.

List down all the interesting points.

What is your decision after considering all the factors?

Example:

Should NEC have OLT?

APC: Alternatives, Possibilities, Choices

Generating new alternatives and choices, instead of feeling confined to the obvious ones.

Steps involved

What are the other alternatives to overcome the problem?

What are the implications incur if every step is taken?

What is the best solution?

Example

Exams should be abolished.

OPV: Other People's Views  

Moving out of one’s own viewpoint to consider the points of view of all others involved in any situation.

Steps involved

Will this idea influence others?

Other’s people opinion on this matter?

Is your idea relevant before actions are taken?

ExampleStudent should be barred from VOISS if they do not pay their study fees.

AGO: Aims, Goals, Objectives

Picking out and defining the objectives so as one is clear about his own aims and understanding those of others (Purpose).

Steps involved:

What is the AGO of the plan?

Are the implementations out of The AGO?

How do I make sure that the AGO is achieved?

Example

What is the AGO of the Critical Thinking Course?

C&S: Consequence and Sequel

Considering the immediate, short (e.g. 1 - 2 years), medium (e.g. 2 - 5 year) and long term (e.g. over 5 years) consequences.

Steps involved:

What are the long term effects?

What are the risks I have to face?

To what extent the new plan would bring changes?

Example:

The future of e-Learning at UNITAR.

Group Activity

Break into groups of 4-5, and then discuss:

How can UNITAR students help the flood victims in Malaysia?

Choose one member of your group to take notes.

10 min

Use one (or more) of the CoRT thinking tools to come up with suggestions.

5 min Draw a mindmap of your group findings.

15 min

Group presentation & discussion

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