This week has involved the participation in a wiki-based learning experience. A group of students analysed the decision to include mobile phones in learning, using the tool of Bono’s Six Thinking Hats.
Dr Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats is a tool designed for team members to analyse a decision using a system that requires each person to “tap into their collective wisdom” (deBono Thinking Systems, N.D.). This is achieved by looking at the decision from six different perspectives, symbolised by six coloured hats.
Each student chose a thinking hat, and entered their response in a graphical organiser. Students were able to view one another’s responses and comment if desired.
This style of learning is not typical of Behaviourism Learning Theory. Bono’s Six Thinking Hats requires students to reflect on their knowledge to analyse a decision and calls on higher order thinking.
Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism is based on the belief that students can share their collective knowledge and learn from one another, if the teacher provides the right environment. Scaffolding is of optimum importance to enable the students to move in the right direction towards the knowledge that they require.
In this wiki-based learning experience, the teacher scaffolded the learning with Bono’s Six Thinking Hats tool. Although the students involved lived in different towns, all were able to participate and share their ideas.
Personally as an introvert, this mode of group learning is enjoyable for me. In a group discussion, I find it difficult to vocalise my opinions and thoughts quickly, and am often over-ridden by others who are extroverts. The benefit of an on-line wiki is that all participants have the opportunity to be heard and share their ideas equally, regardless of personality. An extrovert who enjoys face to face discussion would possibly not benefit as well from this mode of learning.
References
A Brief Overview of Learning Theory. (2013). Central Queensland University. Retrieved from http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/page/view.php?id=88322
de Bono Thinking Systems. (N.D.) Retrieved from http://www.debonothinkingsystems.com/tools/6hats.htm
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