Working in a Group

Koinonia Koinonia which means "spirit of fellowship." The basic principles established by Socrates: Establish dialogue Exchange ideas Don't argue Don't interrupt Listen carefully Clarify your thinking Be honest

Parallel Thinking (originated by Edward DeBono) Six Thinking Hats: Black, White, Yellow, Green, Blue, Red

Used to simplify thinking by allowing a thinker to deal with one thing at a time – to allow a switch of thinking – put on your “thinking cap.” Every group member wears the same hat at the same time. Single Use: the hats are used as symbols to request a particular type of thinking

Sequence Use: the hats can be used in a certain sequence Any hat can be used as often as you like There is no need to use every hat The sequence can be made up of two, three, four, or more hats Typically – begin and end with the BLUE hat

Black Hat The Black Hat is judgment - the devil's advocate or why something may not work. Spot the difficulties and dangers, where things might go wrong. Probably the most powerful and useful of the Hats but a problem if overused. Difficulties, weaknesses, dangers Logical reasons are given Spotting the risks

White Hat The White Hat calls for information known or needed. "The facts, just the facts." Information and data Neutral and objective What do I know? What do I need to find out? How will I get the information I need?

Yellow Hat The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism. Under this hat you explore the positives and probe for value and benefit. Positives, plus points Benefits, values Why an idea is useful Optimism

Green Hat The Green Hat focuses on creativity - the possibilities, alternatives, and new ideas. It's an opportunity to express new concepts and new perceptions. Ideas, alternative, possibilities Provocation - "PO" Solutions to black hat problems

Blue Hat The Blue Hat is used to manage the thinking process. It's the control mechanism that ensures the six thinking hats guidelines are observed. Start your project with all members wearing their blue hat: Thinking about thinking What thinking is needed? Organizing the thinking Planning for action

Red Hat 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. Intuition, hunches, gut instinct My feelings right now Feelings can change No reasons are given

10 Tips Listen actively Establish a common goal Use the Thinking Hats throughout the project Create a timeline Outline your objectives

10 Tips con’t Collaborate Be wary of “group think”: think not conform Resolve conflicts quickly and early Exchange contact information Find a place to meet

Collaborate Working together does not involve dividing the task, then cutting and pasting the individual work together. Working together involves working on the same task at the same time using the unique skills of each individual to produce a better product.

Conflict Management Owl: Collaborating Fox: Compromising Teddy Bear: Accommodating Shark: Competing Turtle: Avoiding

Be Clear “I think it might be a good idea to try and incorporate some newspaper publicity for our fundraiser if we can.” BETTER: “It is a good idea to incorporate newspaper publicity for our fundraiser.”

Review: Think Critically The Seven Decision Making Steps The Eight Problem Solving Steps The Problem Is to Know what the Problem Is Problem Definition Tools and Strategies Bloom’s Taxonomy

Review: Think Creatively Four behaviors William’s Taxonomy Stages of Creative Thought SCAMPER Divergent and Convergent Thinking Synectics Brainstorming – independently and as a group Socratic Method CPS (creative problem solving) Creative Think