Modes of Thinking 2024.

A new spin to thinking

Edward de Bono, one of the world’s leading authorities on the process of thought, has devised a concept called "lateral thinking" and is the author of the Six Thinking Hats in which individuals explore different perspectives of a complex situation or challenge, thus bringing about a unique blend of thoughts and ideas. His new modes of thinking are now taught in many schools all over the world and are used in many business firms as a method of problem solving, decision-making and idea generation

Students found Edward’s methods of thinking an excellent approach to easing the process of decision-making and idea generation

"These modes of thinking allow us to narrow down our goals and rearrange priorities to efficiently make effective decisions," said Abdullah Alnaqbi, student at Sharjah Medical College. "They will give us the skills and confidence needed to move on to the next level

Students also claimed that these new approaches to thinking enhance their creativity, allowing them to see certain characteristics of a situation in a different light

"Edward’s thinking hats allow us to ‘think outside the box’ and go to more untraditional thinking methods," said Abdul Aziz Al Zarouni, computer-engineering student at the American University of Sharjah. "This creates a sense of flexibility in our minds and allows us to make new associations between concepts and ideas

Notes had the chance to speak one-on-one to De Bono about his proposed modes of thinking and the impact they have had on thought throughout the world

What is lateral thinking

Many people believe creativity is a talent that either you have or you don’t. Lateral thinking, on the other hand, is a skill one can learn. Its foundation is in science and medicine and is based on the way nerves in the human brain work.

How do the six thinking hats work and how do they enhance one’s thinking abilities

Each thinking hat represents a colour, each one forming a different perspective for a specific situation. For example, white represents neutrality and the facts of the situation, red represents the emotions, green is all the possibilities, yellow represents optimism, blue for organisation, and black represents caution for any potential drawbacks. Individuals can look at a situation from all of these different perspectives and then combine them to generate ideas

How can students and future employees of business apply your concept of lateral thinking

Management is all about problem solving and being able to look at problematic situations from different angles. Lateral thinking and the concept of the six thinking hats allow employees to do so. Managers can save up to three quarters of their traditional "thinking" time to make decisions and rather use that time implementing them. Students could use these modes of thinking to increase productivity in their future careers

What role do you believe educators have to increase students’ thinking abilities

A class should be dedicated to thinking and the various methods of doing so. Students should be taught the various perspectives of looking at a situation to help enhance and develop their thinking skills

Fostering student development

This two-day seminar is only a small segment of the Bidaya initiative to nurture student ambition

"Bidaya teaches us how to be pro-active, confident leaders of tomorrow’s world," said Asma Al Zabi, computer-engineering student at Sharjah University. "They have helped us in two crucial areas of educational development – academics and leadership

The scholarship also supports students with projects external to their traditional curriculum to aid them in reaching their goals

"Bidaya is currently supporting me with an idea I’ve had for a long time — an Internet community website for talented and intelligent UAE nationals as a channel for intellectual expression," said Al Zarouni. "They [Bidaya] see our dreams and help make them come true