When we were critiquing each others’ “self portraits” we used 4 of Edward De Bono’s Thinking Hats as a feedback method system. I remember learning about this in primary school, but I’m posting it here so that I can remember them for the future.

• Black Hat: Negative feedback. Where you talk about what didn’t work well or what wasn’t good.
• Green Hat: Alternative ideas or critical feedback. A different outlook on how something could be done.
• Red Hat: Feelings and initial reactions. This involves giving initial feelings and gut reactions.
• Yellow Hat: Positive feedback. Talking about what worked well.

This reason this system was used in class was that it allowed for different types of feedback and helps one actually gain something from the feedback rather than repetitive and unhelpful feedback such as “good” or “I wasn’t a big fan of it”. All of these hats are important in giving someone feedback, and are necessary in order to gain something from the feedback.