Six Thinking Hats method as a means of functional literacy development

Background. The use of the 6 thinking hats method in a foreign language class as a means to develop functional literacy and universal training activities, which advance metasubject and personal results of learning, is presented in the article. The basic skills of the twenty-first century education are considered. Different approaches to understanding concepts such as “method” and “means” are analyzed and described. Various groups of methods for searching new ideas are distinguished, the type of the method is determined, as well as the method’s features and purposes of its application are defined in the article. The method was implemented in learning process in class activities on German language practical course. Based on the results of the conducted study and practical experiences of the method, it may be concluded that it is useful to use the 6 thinking hats method at a reflection stage of the training material content, as one of the technologies to develop competences (4 Cs), required to promote functional literacy.

Relevance. The study looks into the issue of necessity to develop functional literacy in Russia, actively using critical and creative thinking in a foreign language class.

The purpose of the study is to describe method 6 thinking hats and determine how “4C” competences (communication, command work, creativity and critical thinking) as components of functional literacy and way of developing universal training actions, are formed.

Results. The 6 thinking hats method develops communicative skills, contributes to forming competences needed to work in a command, encourages critical and creative thinking, has been tested in a foreign language class.

Practical implications. The 6 thinking hats method can be used as a means to develop functional literacy in a foreign language class in school as well high school education.