Re: Curriculum development ideas LO3710

Walter Derzko (wderzko@epas.utoronto.ca)
Tue, 14 Nov 1995 01:01:30 -0500 (EST)

Replying to LO3414 --

Re: Curriculum development ideas LO3414

Kevin writes:

> I will be teaching a similar course (titled Critical Thinking & Decision
> Making) beginning next month -- I am curious whether you had much response
> to your query -- I have taught the course before and I am getting ready to
> review the material and take a fresh cut at it.
>
> Kevin Holsapple, 5-1260, P246, cubfan@lanl.gov
>
> "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity" -- Albert Einstein
>

Yes Kevin,

The response was more then I expected. I've summarized it on the
learning-org List homepage.

Point your browser to: http://world.std.com/~lo/Derzko.summary

I use Edward de Bono's CoRT Thinking skills program. It covers both
critical and creative thinking skills and is presented in a simple
module fashion.

I just adjust examples and exercises to the level of students. I've
used it with children in grade two right up to execs and managers in the
MBA and EMBA programs at Univ of Toronto in 1992.

A number of students would have had some exposure to de Bono's methods
in public or high schools in Canada, especially if they went through
a gifted program. Also, the 6 Six Thinking Hats is popular with students
and executives/business people in general. It's easy to embed and
reinforce in other curriculum material .....from Art to Zoology.
I use other models and approaches, but the de Bono approach seems to
be the easiest to apply across the curriculum and to higher order
thinking operations, such as resolving conflicts and disputes,
problem-solving, spotting and creating business opportunites,
team-building etc.

If you have any specific questions or examples of cleaver or unique
applications, please write to me.

Best of Luck with your course.

--
Walter Derzko
wderzko@epas.utoronto.ca