MINDSETMonths to result

CoRT Thinking Programme

A tool-based approach to thinking and problem-solving

Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Educational institutions and organizations that want to improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in contexts where structured thinking is essential.

Not ideal for

Those who prefer unstructured or intuitive approaches to thinking and problem-solving.

Overview

Why this framework exists

The CoRT Thinking Programme is a tool-based approach to thinking and problem-solving. The programme involves a series of tools and techniques that can be used to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The tools are designed to be simple and practical, and can be used in a variety of contexts. The programme is useful for educational institutions and organizations that want to improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in contexts where structured thinking is essential.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Tool-based thinking is more effective than unstructured thinking.
  2. The tools should be simple and practical.
  3. The programme should be used in a variety of contexts.

Steps

3 steps
  1. Choose the Tools
    Choose the tools that will be used in the programme. The tools should be relevant to the specific problem or decision being considered.
    Pro tipMake sure to choose the tools that are most relevant to the problem or decision.
    WarningAvoid using tools that are not relevant to the problem or decision.
  2. Use the Tools
    Use the tools in a specific sequence. Each tool should be used for a specific period of time, and the thinker should focus on the specific mode of thinking represented by the tool.
    Pro tipMake sure to use each tool for the full allocated time.
    WarningAvoid switching between tools too quickly.
  3. Review and Reflect
    Review and reflect on the thinking that has been done using the tools. This can involve summarizing the key points, identifying areas for further consideration, and developing a plan for implementation.
    Pro tipMake sure to review and reflect on the thinking that has been done.
    WarningAvoid moving forward without reviewing and reflecting on the thinking that has been done.

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Using the CoRT Thinking Programme in a School

A school was looking to improve the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of its students. They used the CoRT Thinking Programme to provide a structured approach to thinking and problem-solving. By using the tools and techniques in the programme, the students were able to improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

OutcomeThe students showed significant improvement in their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Edward de Bono, 'Teach Yourself To Think'

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not Choosing the Right Tools
If the wrong tools are chosen, the thinking may not be effective. Make sure to choose the tools that are most relevant to the problem or decision.
Not Using the Tools Correctly
If the tools are not used correctly, the thinking may not be effective. Make sure to use each tool for the full allocated time and focus on the specific mode of thinking represented by the tool.
Not Reviewing and Reflecting
If the thinking is not reviewed and reflected on, the outcomes may not be effective. Make sure to review and reflect on the thinking that has been done using the tools.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The CoRT Thinking Programme was developed by Edward de Bono as a way to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. De Bono recognized that traditional approaches to thinking and problem-solving often involve unstructured and intuitive thinking, which can lead to poor outcomes. He developed the CoRT Thinking Programme as a way to provide a structured approach to thinking and problem-solving. The programme has been used in a variety of contexts, including education and business.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Teach Yourself To Think
Edward de Bono · 2020
Open source →

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