Edward de Bono

CoRT Thinking Method

• The essence of the CoRT (Cognitive
Research Trust) Thinking Method is to
focus attention directly on different
aspects of thinking and to crystallize
these aspects into definite concepts
and tools that can be used deliberately.
• It is designed to encourage students to
broaden their thinking.
 CoRT Thinking Tools
CAF: Consider All Factors

FIP: First Important Priorities

PMI: Plus, Minus, Interesting ideas)

APC: Alternatives, Possibilities, Choices

OPV: Other People's Views   

AGO: Aims, Goals, Objectives (purpose)

C&S: Consequence and Sequel  

 CAF: Consider All Factors
Used to look as widely as possible at all the factors
involved in a situation.

Steps involved:
List down all the factors.
Consider each factor.
What is the appropriate decision to be made?

Example:
Should NEC have a main campus?
 FIP: First Important Priorities
Choosing from a number of different possibilities and alternatives
(e.g. putting priorities in order).

Steps involved:
What are the important matters involved?
Which is the most important one to be considered?
Which one should be given priority?

Example:
Helping the flood victims in Johor.
 PMI: Plus, Minus, Interesting
Examining an idea for good, bad or interesting points, instead of
immediate acceptance or rejection.

Steps involved:
List down all the plus points.
List down all the minus points.
List down all the interesting points.
What is your decision after considering all the factors?

Example:
Should NEC have OLT?
 APC: Alternatives, Possibilities,
Choices
Generating new alternatives and choices, instead of feeling
confined to the obvious ones.

Steps involved
What are the other alternatives to overcome the problem?
What are the implications incur if every step is taken?
What is the best solution?

Example
Exams should be abolished.
 OPV: Other People's Views  
Moving out of one’s own viewpoint to consider the points of view
of all others involved in any situation.

Steps involved
Will this idea influence others?
Other’s people opinion on this matter?
Is your idea relevant before actions are taken?

Example
Student should be barred from VOISS if they do
not pay their study fees.
 AGO: Aims, Goals,
Objectives
Picking out and defining the objectives so as one is clear about
his own aims and understanding those of others (Purpose).

Steps involved:
What is the AGO of the plan?
Are the implementations out of The AGO?
How do I make sure that the AGO is achieved?
Example
What is the AGO of the Critical Thinking
Course?
 C&S: Consequence and Sequel
Considering the immediate, short (e.g. 1 - 2 years),
medium (e.g. 2 - 5 year) and long term (e.g. over 5
years) consequences.
Steps involved:
What are the long term effects?
What are the risks I have to face?
To what extent the new plan would bring changes?
Example:
The future of e-Learning at UNITAR.
 The Rock

Group Activity Likes NEC

Break into groups of 4-5, and then

discuss:
How can UNITAR students help the flood victims in Malaysia?

Choose one member of your group to take notes.

10 Use one (or more) of the CoRT thinking tools to com

e up with suggestions.
min
5 min Draw a mindmap of your group findings.

15 Group presentation & discussion

min